For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV
We can all make a difference and promote peace.
According to his website JaylensChallenge.org, at the tender age of 8 years old Jaylen Arnold wanted to make a difference. In response to bullying, he wanted to fight back with words and experience – rather than with fists or name calling. Jaylen had suffered at the hands of bullies in school due to his disabilities making him an easy target. Bullies don’t like different.
Jaylen wanted to encourage misguided youth to do right, instead of wrong. At the time it seemed liked an impossible task, but with the help and guidance of friends and family, Jaylen did not want to give up. Upon hearing Jaylen’s story, many stepped in to offer help.
After meeting Paul Clarke, Jaylen’s idea of a website didn’t seem so impossible. With a basic website launched intended for Jaylen’s classmates, this was the birth of Jaylen’s Challenge Foundation, Inc.
What started as a small personal project for one little boy has grown into an internationally recognized charity. Jaylen’s Challenge Foundation is known as the leading National Anti-Bullying Foundation as identified and featured on every major network across the globe including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, Discovery Health, and Nickelodeon. Jaylen’s Challenge has gone from strength to strength. To change the life of a single person with this message would have been wonderful, but Jaylen has literally educated thousands and changed lives.
Although it is wonderful that an eight-year-old boy can help thousands of people, true peace for all humanity can only come through Jesus. If Jaylen can spread peace throughout the world, so too can Christians who serve the Prince of Peace. If Jaylen is a great example to follow, then we should realize how Jesus is an even better example for how to live.
“Rule in your hearts”- The Prince of Peace presides in your hearts, resides as an umpire there, governs your actions, and transforms you. The word rendered here “rule” – is commonly used about the Olympic and other games. It signifies being a director or arbiter over the games. The meaning here is, that the peace which God gives to the soul is to be to us what the governor at the games was to those who contended there. It is to preside over and govern the mind; to preserve everything in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity.
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Last year, in our Advent series, we explored how Christ is Immanuel, God with us. If Christ is with us, then we have peace. Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God. Peace that Jesus gives is not the lack of trouble, but is rather the confidence that He is there with you always.
The Colossians have been raised “with Christ” in the past (3:1), are hidden “with Christ” in the present (3:3), and will be revealed “with Christ” in the future (3:4). We can have peace because Jesus is our Savior and Lord in the past, present, and future. Nothing can separate us from Him, and the Lord has already conquered over death, Satan, and sin.
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. — Eleanor Roosevelt
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you are our peace. Your Son embodies peace, and Your Spirit is our advocate and comforter. May we turn to You in times of anxiety and fear. May we realize that You are greater than any of our fears. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.