The Blessing of Peace

And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace (Matthew 10:11-13).

When entering a town, Jesus told His apostles, inquire who is worthy in it. To be worthy is to be ‘suitable’ or “who in it sustains such a character that he will be disposed to show you hospitality and to treat you kindly” (Albert Barnes). Those upon whom the Holy Spirit has ministered will be of such character as to receive a person bearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is known as a ‘divine appointment’. This past week Steve and Vickie Brock and I had the opportunity engage in sharing the Gospel in a divine appointment.

Long ago most evangelists, missionaries, and visiting preachers to our town stayed in the homes of families. Now days they would rather stay in a motel. I guess there are pros and cons to either side of the arrangement, but the purpose for staying in one’s home is to bless the family in the house with the message of peace (v. 13).

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . . Ephesians 6:14-15, Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. . .

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is peace and brings peace to those who receive Jesus Christ. Upon receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the estrangement from God is resolved, the war with God is over, peace with God ensues. Romans 5:1-2, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

What is peace? It is not just the end of conflict. It is quietness and rest in the midst of conflict; it is ‘to be set at one again’. Combatants may call it quits insofar as fighting is concerned, but true peace is when the combatants become friends. Jesus makes that happen in a person’s heart with God, with others, and with self. That is the Gospel we bear witness of; that is the Gospel we bless others with.

“Father, thank You for the genuine peace that only You can bring to the mind, heart, spirit, and soul. Thank You for Jesus who is the Prince of Peace, and through whom Your peace is poured out upon all who believe in and receive You as Lord and God. May we be a people of peace in our ministry to others so they might know Your peace which surpasses all understanding. To Your honor and glory I pray, and to the ongoing work of Your Gospel I ask, Amen.”

Pastor