1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:03,680 I'm pray. I'm preaching this morning on on 2 00:00:03,680 --> 00:00:05,760 the topic. Hope in his piece. 3 00:00:06,520 --> 00:00:10,160 I'm going to introduce, give a couple of, introduce 4 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:11,840 introduction paragraphs, then I'm going to pray for. 5 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:13,400 Us. I feel like. 6 00:00:14,120 --> 00:00:15,400 There's quite a lot of weight to this. 7 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:17,120 There's quite. A lot of excitement to it as 8 00:00:17,120 --> 00:00:18,840 well, actually. And. 9 00:00:18,840 --> 00:00:23,720 Hopefully a lot of peace to it. Yeah, let's go for it. 10 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:27,600 We live. In a time that is marked by 11 00:00:27,600 --> 00:00:29,800 strife and discourse, there you go. 12 00:00:29,800 --> 00:00:31,840 You see why I'm thinking it's waiting? 13 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:34,600 The Quest for peace. Remains a. 14 00:00:34,600 --> 00:00:38,240 Universal aspiration, That's. Deeply embedded inside. 15 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:39,840 Every. Human being. 16 00:00:40,360 --> 00:00:43,600 Yet our understanding of peace often skims the. 17 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:46,520 Surface of its. Deeper implications. 18 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:50,560 Within the biblical narrative, there's provided a treasure. 19 00:00:50,560 --> 00:00:53,040 Trove of wisdom. Regarding. 20 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:56,440 Peace in the. Hebrew Old Testament. 21 00:00:56,560 --> 00:00:59,120 The word Shalom is. Used for peace. 22 00:00:59,120 --> 00:01:02,360 You might be familiar with that word and in the Greek New 23 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:04,760 Testament, and I'm probably going to pronounce this word 24 00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:08,760 wrong as well. Irene is the word. 25 00:01:08,760 --> 00:01:12,320 Used in. Greek for Peace at a church. 26 00:01:12,320 --> 00:01:15,080 Today, we embark on a journey to uncover. 27 00:01:15,240 --> 00:01:19,400 The rich. Multifaceted nature of peace as 28 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:22,680 presented in Scriptures, and we're going to do that by 29 00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:25,280 examining its various manifestations in the Old and 30 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:27,480 New Testament. Exploring. 31 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:31,440 Three of its dimensions, namely relational, societal, and 32 00:01:31,440 --> 00:01:33,760 personal. And we're going to do this all 33 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:35,640 while confronting the challenge of a. 34 00:01:35,640 --> 00:01:39,960 Lived experiential peace. In our daily lives. 35 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:41,880 So before. We get into that. 36 00:01:41,880 --> 00:01:43,520 Can I pray? It'll be. 37 00:01:43,520 --> 00:01:45,280 Really good too. Let's pray. 38 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:48,240 Heavenly Father, thank. You that your spirit? 39 00:01:48,240 --> 00:01:52,520 Is here in abundance. Thank you that already you've. 40 00:01:52,520 --> 00:02:01,320 Shown signs, examples. Given us moments this morning. 41 00:02:02,200 --> 00:02:05,920 Where it's clear you're with us. And so as we wake up Scripture 42 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:10,080 and as we look at you teaching us from your Word, maybe humble 43 00:02:10,080 --> 00:02:11,440 ourselves. Before your word. 44 00:02:13,480 --> 00:02:15,760 Give us wisdom. Give us truth. 45 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:19,760 We don't want as the world gives, We want as you give. 46 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:24,200 And so bless us. As we look at your word this 47 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:29,600 morning in your son's precious name, Amen, the biblical 48 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:30,920 landscape. Is rich with. 49 00:02:30,920 --> 00:02:33,920 Depictions of peace. Many times this is displayed. 50 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,400 In a physical. Form of peace, but many other 51 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:37,920 times we hear about. Peace. 52 00:02:37,920 --> 00:02:41,240 That transcends the physical. World, as I said in the old. 53 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:44,360 Testament, the word Shalom is used and it describes. 54 00:02:44,360 --> 00:02:47,160 A state of. Wholeness or completeness where 55 00:02:47,160 --> 00:02:51,240 nothing is lacking or. Broken the first time we come 56 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:53,320 across the word. Shalom in the Bible is in 57 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:57,400 Genesis 15, and it's the Abraham narrative that we may know 58 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:01,360 Abraham well, but we're going to focus on this section in 59 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:04,520 chapter. 15 it says. Then the Lord. 60 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:08,080 Said to him. Or Abraham Abraham Know for 61 00:03:08,080 --> 00:03:12,800 certain that for 400 years your descendants will be strangers in 62 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:16,040 a country not their own, and that they will be enslaved. 63 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:19,280 And mistreated there. But I will punish the nation 64 00:03:19,280 --> 00:03:20,480 they. Serve as slaves. 65 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:22,600 And afterward, they'll come out with great. 66 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:27,440 Possessions you, however. Will go to your ancestors in 67 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:31,280 Shalom peace and be buried in a good. 68 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:33,680 Old age. We're mostly. 69 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:36,040 Familiar with the story? Of the Exodus. 70 00:03:36,600 --> 00:03:38,720 And captivity how? Moses. 71 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:42,320 LED God people. Out of Egypt, but we want to. 72 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:45,840 Focus on before. We get there with Shalom peace. 73 00:03:45,840 --> 00:03:51,040 In Abraham's death. Abraham, who is known for his 74 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:54,000 faith in his journeys that shaped his life, reached the 75 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,600 twilight. Of his years. 76 00:03:55,720 --> 00:04:00,680 Rich and full of life. In this text, we find a promise 77 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:03,280 that's given to Abraham, one that carries a. 78 00:04:03,280 --> 00:04:06,520 Deep sense of. Serenity and completeness. 79 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:10,680 The promise was. Simple and yet profound you. 80 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:14,000 However, will go. To your ancestors in Shalom and 81 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:15,840 be buried. At a good old age. 82 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:20,839 The word encompasses far more than simply the absence of 83 00:04:20,839 --> 00:04:23,760 conflict. It speaks here of wholeness, 84 00:04:23,960 --> 00:04:27,160 well-being. And a harmonious end to a 85 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:31,800 chapter of life's story. It assures Abraham that life's 86 00:04:31,800 --> 00:04:35,560 concluding with a peaceful transition adjoining with. 87 00:04:35,560 --> 00:04:38,680 Those who've. Gone before him in a place free 88 00:04:38,680 --> 00:04:44,160 from pain and sorrow, that as we think of loved ones who have 89 00:04:44,160 --> 00:04:46,440 died or nearing. Death we can. 90 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:49,120 Let this narrative be a source of solace. 91 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:53,720 Just as Abraham was promised a peaceful departure enveloped in 92 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:58,360 the tranquility of Shalom, we can find solace in the hope that 93 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:01,560 those who trust in Jesus will be in that space. 94 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:06,760 Too, they too have embarked. On a journey to eternal. 95 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:09,080 Peace a place where worries of this. 96 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:13,400 World are no more where life is lived more fully even. 97 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:18,360 Than we experience here today. In remembering them. 98 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:22,360 We cherish them. And we remember that. 99 00:05:22,360 --> 00:05:25,240 They have a. Peace now that surpasses all 100 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:28,320 understanding. A gentle embrace. 101 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:30,920 From God himself. That may we? 102 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:34,240 Take comfort in the thoughts. Of the legacy. 103 00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:39,080 Both in their lived lives and in their memories, may we hold them 104 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:43,280 dear in our thoughts and may remember that much like Abraham, 105 00:05:43,600 --> 00:05:47,240 they have entered into a timeless embrace of Shalom. 106 00:05:48,760 --> 00:05:52,360 Now talking about death can stir up memories and emotions, and so 107 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:55,080 maybe this morning that's starting to stir something in 108 00:05:55,080 --> 00:05:57,520 you. Please do speak to people if you 109 00:05:57,520 --> 00:05:59,960 are grieving, if you're going for a process of grief. 110 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:03,280 Might have been months or years ago and maybe a close friend, 111 00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:05,760 maybe in a Verso group, maybe one of the pastors here this 112 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:08,880 morning, we want to help you and support you as you move through 113 00:06:08,880 --> 00:06:11,920 that so. Peace at death. 114 00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:14,200 Is the first. Time that we see the word. 115 00:06:14,200 --> 00:06:17,160 Used in the Bible. But Scripture has a far broader. 116 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:19,280 Definition. Than this in fact the. 117 00:06:19,280 --> 00:06:21,520 Word can refer to a stone. That has a. 118 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:24,480 Perfectly whole shape. With no cracks. 119 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:26,680 It can also refer. To a completed. 120 00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:29,480 Stonewall. That has no bricks missing. 121 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:32,840 Shalom refers. To something that's complex. 122 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:35,320 With lots of pieces. That's in a state of 123 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:38,920 completeness or wholeness, for example in the book. 124 00:06:38,920 --> 00:06:42,080 Of job, his flocks, his household is. 125 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,280 Described as being a. State of Shalom. 126 00:06:44,520 --> 00:06:47,280 Because there were no sheep missing, no animals missing. 127 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:50,840 Obviously we know the narrative is more complex than that, but 128 00:06:50,840 --> 00:06:53,000 there was a point where that was the description used. 129 00:06:53,840 --> 00:06:56,120 That it can refer to a person's well-being and. 130 00:06:56,120 --> 00:06:57,880 Like when David visited. His brothers on the. 131 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:00,280 Battlefield and inquired of their Shalom at. 132 00:07:00,920 --> 00:07:05,600 The core idea is that. Life is complex, full of moving 133 00:07:05,600 --> 00:07:09,400 parts and situations and relationships. 134 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:13,160 And when any of these are out of alignment or missing something 135 00:07:13,160 --> 00:07:14,080 about our. Shalom. 136 00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:18,040 Breaks down. Life is no longer whole, and it 137 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:22,400 needs to be. Stored talking about David on 138 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:25,240 the battlefield Conflict. Fighting and battles. 139 00:07:25,240 --> 00:07:28,480 We know they all remove this sense of Shalom. 140 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:32,840 In Isaiah 9 we read about the undoing of this amazingly at. 141 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:35,520 Every Warriors boot. Used in battle, every garment 142 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:36,680 rolled in. Blood will be. 143 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:41,080 Destined for burning will be fuel for the fire, for to us a 144 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:43,400 child is born to. Us. 145 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:46,640 A son is given, and the government will be on his 146 00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:50,840 shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty 147 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:55,840 God, Everlasting Father, Prince. Of peace. 148 00:07:56,480 --> 00:07:59,680 We are not designed to live in a world at war. 149 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:01,920 We know this in our very core, don't we? 150 00:08:02,080 --> 00:08:05,480 And Scripture gives us the most robust framework that any faith 151 00:08:05,480 --> 00:08:08,520 or philosophy can give. Us when we grapple with this. 152 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:12,000 Disconnect that we experience again and again I read. 153 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:14,280 Scripture and it. Precisely and profoundly 154 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:16,280 describes my lived. Experience. 155 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:20,600 It shouldn't surprise. Me then, when Jesus says I am 156 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:22,000 the. Way the truth. 157 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:25,840 And the life Jesus is the one source of truth. 158 00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:28,080 For this world. We need to hold him out to 159 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:30,280 others. Now this. 160 00:08:30,280 --> 00:08:33,039 Concept of peace. Is not confined to the absence 161 00:08:33,039 --> 00:08:34,919 of conflicts. As I've said, but. 162 00:08:34,919 --> 00:08:37,159 Extends to the. Presence of the Holy Spirit's 163 00:08:37,159 --> 00:08:39,799 work. To bring about fullness and 164 00:08:39,799 --> 00:08:41,960 harmony. We observe. 165 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:45,760 Shalom in action when we see adversaries reconciled. 166 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:48,240 Such as Jacob and Esau's heartfelt. 167 00:08:48,240 --> 00:08:53,600 Reunion or when? Joseph graciously forgave his. 168 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:58,640 Brothers when rival kingdoms made peace in the Bible. 169 00:08:58,920 --> 00:09:01,800 It wasn't just about them stopping the fighting. 170 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:05,240 It was about working together in the aftermath. 171 00:09:06,280 --> 00:09:09,040 In the book of Ruth we see Shalom where Ruth's. 172 00:09:09,040 --> 00:09:12,280 Loyalty to Naomi? Brings out peace and security. 173 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:16,080 To her mother in law's life and ultimately leads. 174 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:19,600 To the restoration. Of the family line Incredible at 175 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:23,040 King David's Psalms frequently invoke the theme of peace as he 176 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:27,440 yearns for God's Shalom amidst turmoil and conflict. 177 00:09:27,920 --> 00:09:31,000 Psalm. 34 verse. 14 is a good example of this. 178 00:09:31,440 --> 00:09:36,040 Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue. 179 00:09:36,040 --> 00:09:39,440 It it's a call. To actively. 180 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:44,360 Pursue peace as a virtue. Jesus birth in the New Testament 181 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:49,400 was announced as the arrival of. Peace Luke, Chapter 2. 182 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:51,080 I know we're not at Christmas yet. 183 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:52,320 My little fact for the. Day. 184 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:56,240 I've said this to a few people. Already my wife loves Christmas 185 00:09:56,520 --> 00:10:00,000 and two months ago we were readying ourselves for 186 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:01,240 Christmas. Some of you aren't ready to. 187 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:03,360 Hear this. Two months ago we were pretty 188 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:06,640 much in the full swing, right? And two months the 6th of the. 189 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:09,120 Year. So we're 1/6 of the way already 190 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:10,040 to Christmas. I just. 191 00:10:10,040 --> 00:10:14,720 I don't. I I sorry, I just There we go, 192 00:10:16,520 --> 00:10:17,960 Luke. Chapter 2 reads. 193 00:10:18,560 --> 00:10:22,000 And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby, keeping 194 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:23,640 watch over their flocks at night. 195 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:26,480 And an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory 196 00:10:26,480 --> 00:10:29,720 of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 197 00:10:30,160 --> 00:10:32,280 But the Angel said to them, do not be. 198 00:10:32,280 --> 00:10:34,560 Afraid. I bring you good news. 199 00:10:34,560 --> 00:10:36,800 That will cause great joy for all people. 200 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:40,520 Today in the town of David has been born a savior. 201 00:10:40,520 --> 00:10:43,000 He is the Messiah. The Lord. 202 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:46,560 This will be assigned to you. You'll find a baby wrapped in 203 00:10:46,560 --> 00:10:50,400 clothes and lying in a Manger. Suddenly a great. 204 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:52,040 Cloud of heavenly. Hosts appeared. 205 00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:54,560 With the Angel praising God and saying. 206 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:58,080 Glory to God. In the highest and on earth. 207 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:01,080 Peace. To those on whom? 208 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:06,280 His favour rests peace. Jesus emerges. 209 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:10,880 As the very embodiment of peace, the Prince of peace. 210 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:14,800 Prophesied in Isaiah, his teachings and actions 211 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:17,320 consistently. Reveal A dedication to 212 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:20,080 cultivating peace in individuals. 213 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:24,280 And communities, the Beatitudes extend blessings of peace. 214 00:11:24,280 --> 00:11:26,680 To those who. Are meek and pure in heart. 215 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:29,760 Promising his. Comfort and communion with God. 216 00:11:30,560 --> 00:11:35,080 His miracles parables. And personal interactions often 217 00:11:35,080 --> 00:11:37,960 culminated in restoration. Of peace. 218 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:41,360 Whether it is calming of storms, healing ailments. 219 00:11:41,720 --> 00:11:45,960 Or encouraging. The downtrodden on his return to 220 00:11:45,960 --> 00:11:47,800 heaven. Remember Jesus. 221 00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:50,800 Has always existed. As Father, Son, and Holy. 222 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:53,480 Spirit there has. Always been a beautiful, 223 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:55,520 eternal, peaceful. Relationship. 224 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:58,480 With one another, so they know what they're talking about on 225 00:11:58,560 --> 00:12:02,800 Jesus's return to heaven. He sent us His Holy Spirit. 226 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:05,840 Who is our comforter? The Holy. 227 00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:08,000 Spirit works within our hearts to bring about. 228 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:12,000 Peace the presence of the Holy Spirit is. 229 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,960 Transformative, he guides us and our church. 230 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:18,240 Community towards. A life marked. 231 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:21,320 With fruits of the spirit, Lovejoy. 232 00:12:21,720 --> 00:12:26,080 Peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 233 00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:30,560 gentleness, and self-control. The Apostle Paul's letters. 234 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:32,880 Also contribute to our understanding of peace. 235 00:12:33,280 --> 00:12:35,440 That as he encourages. The Ephesians to maintain the 236 00:12:35,440 --> 00:12:37,160 unity through the Spirit and the bond. 237 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:40,440 Of peace, Paul writes as a prisoner. 238 00:12:40,560 --> 00:12:42,320 For the Lord, then, I urge you to. 239 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:44,800 Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 240 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:50,120 Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one 241 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:52,840 another in love. Make every effort. 242 00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:56,920 To keep the unity of the spirit. Through the bond of peace there 243 00:12:56,920 --> 00:13:00,240 is one body and one spirit. Just as you were. 244 00:13:00,240 --> 00:13:04,320 Called to 1 Hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one 245 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:09,320 Baptism, one God, and Father of all who is over all and through 246 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:13,360 all, and in all He makes. Every effort. 247 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:16,920 He asked us to make. Every effort to keep the unity 248 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:18,320 of the spirit through. The bond of. 249 00:13:18,320 --> 00:13:21,920 Peace. We see here that peace. 250 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:25,560 Is not just a passive state, as I've already mentioned, it's. 251 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:29,280 The Holy Spirit. Enabling us the acts that unite 252 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:31,160 us and reconcile. Us. 253 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:32,760 Within the body. Of Christ. 254 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:39,000 And finally, on our whistle stop tour of peace in the Bible, we 255 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:42,960 end up in Revelation 21. This is maybe one of my. 256 00:13:43,760 --> 00:13:47,440 Treasured sections of Scripture. Looking towards what's to come 257 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:50,800 and it reads this. Then I saw a new heaven and new 258 00:13:50,800 --> 00:13:52,680 earth. For the first. 259 00:13:52,680 --> 00:13:55,000 Heaven and. First Earth had. 260 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,760 Passed away. Just going to pause there. 261 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:00,560 The eternal space that we go to with. 262 00:14:00,560 --> 00:14:04,160 God is a new heaven and new earth and you've heard this and 263 00:14:04,160 --> 00:14:07,360 you've read this in scripture. It's not floating on cloud type 264 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:10,520 moment. We're inhabiting a new earth and 265 00:14:10,520 --> 00:14:12,040 there's going to be things to do there. 266 00:14:12,040 --> 00:14:14,360 Maybe we'll invent things. Maybe we'll farm. 267 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:15,440 Maybe. We'll eat. 268 00:14:15,640 --> 00:14:18,560 Maybe we'll play sport, we don't know exactly, but it's going to 269 00:14:18,560 --> 00:14:19,920 be an incredible. Space. 270 00:14:20,080 --> 00:14:22,600 That we're going to be in and that's something to look. 271 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:26,240 Forward to. Revelation 21 goes on to say. 272 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:29,320 I saw the holy city the new. Jerusalem coming down out of 273 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:32,680 heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for 274 00:14:32,680 --> 00:14:35,960 her husband, and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying 275 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:37,400 look. God's dwelling. 276 00:14:37,400 --> 00:14:40,960 Place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. 277 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:44,520 They will be his people. And God himself. 278 00:14:44,520 --> 00:14:48,040 Will be their God. He will wipe every tear from 279 00:14:48,040 --> 00:14:51,120 their eyes. There will be no more death or 280 00:14:51,120 --> 00:14:55,120 mourning or crying or pain. Of the old order of. 281 00:14:55,120 --> 00:15:00,280 Things has passed away. This peace is. 282 00:15:00,560 --> 00:15:05,200 Coming, I want us to spend the final few minutes looking at the 283 00:15:05,200 --> 00:15:08,120 three dimensions of peace that I mentioned at relational, 284 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:11,840 societal and finally personal. We can look at the power of the 285 00:15:11,840 --> 00:15:13,480 prodigal son in terms of Relational. 286 00:15:13,480 --> 00:15:14,880 Peace. We're very familiar with it. 287 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:18,520 And the narrative itself looks at Father God, and it looks at 288 00:15:18,520 --> 00:15:21,280 us as sons and looks at the way that we've rebelled against God. 289 00:15:21,280 --> 00:15:23,680 And God opens his arms to us to welcome us back in. 290 00:15:24,040 --> 00:15:25,360 But. There's a simpler way to look at 291 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:27,880 it. And it's a breakdown of a family 292 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:29,800 bond, it's a breakdown there that. 293 00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:32,840 We read about. Of a father son relationship. 294 00:15:34,120 --> 00:15:36,480 And I wonder when we think about that. 295 00:15:37,040 --> 00:15:38,480 Who here as a? Father. 296 00:15:38,960 --> 00:15:41,600 Or a parent has felt. Dishonoured. 297 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:44,320 Dismissed. Or worse. 298 00:15:44,320 --> 00:15:46,520 By a son. Or child of your own. 299 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:53,480 Who here has a son or child? Who here has a? 300 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:58,120 Who here as a son or child has dishonoured, dismissed or done 301 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:03,560 worse to a dad? Or a parent things to. 302 00:16:03,560 --> 00:16:06,240 Reflect on the relational breakdown within the family unit 303 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:07,240 is a real. Issue. 304 00:16:07,680 --> 00:16:11,680 In our families, the enemy would love to break down and destroy 305 00:16:12,200 --> 00:16:17,240 family units. The relationship breakdown isn't 306 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:20,320 just about parent and child. It can be a spouse. 307 00:16:20,320 --> 00:16:22,040 It could be siblings. It could be aunted. 308 00:16:22,040 --> 00:16:23,400 It could be. Other relatives. 309 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:27,080 As we know, relational breakdown isn't just an issue, even with 310 00:16:27,080 --> 00:16:30,040 our families, but it happens between friends. 311 00:16:31,040 --> 00:16:33,560 The relational dimension of peace involves the 312 00:16:33,560 --> 00:16:37,200 reconciliation of individuals and the healing of 313 00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:41,040 relationships, and it's a recurring theme in Jesus 314 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:44,000 parables at this. Will take grace. 315 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:48,720 Vulnerability. Patience, Forgiveness as things 316 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:51,240 are worked out with one another, But where? 317 00:16:51,240 --> 00:16:53,280 Sin. Seeks to disintegrate. 318 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:57,000 And destroy peace. Restores. 319 00:16:58,440 --> 00:17:01,680 I wonder what family member or individual in your life you 320 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:04,079 might want to pursue peace. With today. 321 00:17:05,520 --> 00:17:08,200 The societal dimension of. Peace envisions a. 322 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:10,480 Community where? Justice and righteousness. 323 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:12,160 Are upheld. We've heard. 324 00:17:12,160 --> 00:17:14,839 Today about IGN and praying for this. 325 00:17:14,839 --> 00:17:17,200 World. Maybe that's a group that you 326 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:19,760 want to get involved in. Maybe there's another layer of 327 00:17:19,760 --> 00:17:21,560 society that God's. Calling you to to. 328 00:17:21,880 --> 00:17:25,640 Be an. Advocate for his peace but. 329 00:17:25,640 --> 00:17:28,520 Reflecting on ways that we can be his ambassadors. 330 00:17:28,520 --> 00:17:32,160 For peace in a broken. World is something we can all 331 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:36,840 do. And now the personal dimension. 332 00:17:37,240 --> 00:17:39,840 Of peace. This is depicted in the Bible as 333 00:17:39,840 --> 00:17:42,160 an inner calm. That endures. 334 00:17:42,160 --> 00:17:44,920 Despite the external chaos that could be. 335 00:17:44,960 --> 00:17:49,000 In our relationships. Or in our society this peace? 336 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:51,880 Is rooted in faith. And trust in God's. 337 00:17:51,880 --> 00:17:55,040 Sovereignty. And is exemplified by Jesus 338 00:17:55,040 --> 00:18:00,320 himself, who remained calm, composed, and at peace even in 339 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:05,960 the face of imminent. Death, in fact, hours before his 340 00:18:05,960 --> 00:18:09,560 own death, a death that he was fully aware of, he. 341 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:10,600 Speaks to his. Friends. 342 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:13,880 And he says. This peace I leave with. 343 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:18,920 You, my peace I give you not as the world. 344 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:22,000 Gifts do I give? Let not your hearts. 345 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:27,000 Be troubled neither. Let them be afraid in these 346 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:29,680 words, Jesus. Addressed the most intimate 347 00:18:29,680 --> 00:18:33,440 fears. Of those who walked with him, he 348 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:34,960 saw the worry etched. On their. 349 00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:37,960 Faces felt the. Tremors of their anxious. 350 00:18:37,960 --> 00:18:40,720 Hearts. And with the tender affection. 351 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:44,640 Of a loving friend he sought to. Ease their minds. 352 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,520 Not just with platitudes, but with the truth that they could 353 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:51,720 hold on to. His message was one of a 354 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:54,720 personal, profound peace. A pace that. 355 00:18:54,840 --> 00:18:57,600 Wasn't so much about the cessation of conflict? 356 00:18:57,760 --> 00:18:59,240 Although we should live for this. 357 00:18:59,960 --> 00:19:03,320 But about calming the inner. Storms that rage. 358 00:19:03,320 --> 00:19:34,080 Within said these things to you. 359 00:19:34,560 --> 00:19:38,800 So that you may. Have peace in this world you 360 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:40,000 will. Have trouble? 361 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:44,640 But take heart. I have overcome. 362 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:48,840 The world. You know, we live in a world 363 00:19:48,840 --> 00:19:49,880 where. We will face. 364 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:53,040 Trouble. None of us stand up here and. 365 00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:56,040 Try preaching to say that everything's going to be. 366 00:19:56,040 --> 00:19:58,600 Smooth and comfortable with your lives, that's not. 367 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:02,640 What Jesus teaches? We will find hardship. 368 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:06,440 We will find pain. As well, we can take heart. 369 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:09,880 We can take heart. Because we know someone's gone 370 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:14,240 before us and he has overcome this world and through some 371 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:17,640 divine majesty, through some magnificent. 372 00:20:17,640 --> 00:20:22,520 Grace through some wisdom which? Is beyond our understanding his 373 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:25,600 and asked us to enter in. To that peace. 374 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,360 As a peace. That we share with God. 375 00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:33,760 The Triune Godfather, Son Holy. Spirit A peace that they've 376 00:20:33,760 --> 00:20:36,960 shared for all eternity. We get to step into that 377 00:20:36,960 --> 00:20:39,520 relationally. We get to experience. 378 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:41,920 That in our lives. We get to live. 379 00:20:42,520 --> 00:20:47,240 In that peace I'm really enjoying. 380 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:49,600 Our Hope series I've been so blessed by. 381 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:51,720 Mark and and. Claire, you're preaching. 382 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:54,480 Over the previous weeks I've been really challenged and 383 00:20:54,480 --> 00:20:57,080 encouraged from Scripture. And I really encouraged the 384 00:20:57,080 --> 00:20:59,840 phrase that Mark used early on in this in the series. 385 00:21:00,120 --> 00:21:01,960 That, he said, walk through the pain. 386 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:06,480 Don't let the pain walk you. And just in the context of 387 00:21:06,480 --> 00:21:11,680 today's talk, hope in his peace. I'd lean on that phrase and I 388 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:15,320 might develop it and say. This as we. 389 00:21:15,320 --> 00:21:18,440 Learn to walk in his abundant. Gift of peace. 390 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:21,840 The pain and circumstance that seeks to. 391 00:21:21,840 --> 00:21:26,640 Steer Our footsteps will have less and less hold on where we 392 00:21:26,640 --> 00:21:31,360 tread. I'll say that one more time as 393 00:21:31,360 --> 00:21:34,000 we learn to walk in his abundant. 394 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:37,640 Gift of peace. The pain and circumstance. 395 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:41,920 That seeks to steer our footsteps will have less and 396 00:21:41,920 --> 00:21:44,520 less hold on where we tread.