50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Safe, delivered, made whole, preserved from danger, loss or destruction – this woman’s soul could go in peace. Forgiven, cleansed by the Master, and freed from the bondage of her sin she was now at liberty to dance unrestricted before her Savior. Who wouldn’t desire such tranquility, repose, calm, well being and harmony? Such a state of untroubled, undisturbed well being is sought after for certain! Is anyone out there besides me interested in acquiring this also? Peace – spoken to throughout the whole of Scripture and sought out by man. Unfortunately, we often pursue peace in all the wrong places. The world would have us believe that we can obtain great peace by “Having it our own way” or acquiring a certain item or by looking a certain way or by being with a certain person or group of people. While there is nothing wrong with any of this per se – none of it will bring lasting peace. I am reminded of God’s words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah in regard to His people being taught this same type of foolishness:13 "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. 14 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. 15 Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. Jer 6:13-15 (NIV) Flagrantly pursuing worldly objects or persons will never bring lasting peace. It is the Lord Jesus that grants this treasure:24 "' "The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."' Num 6:24-26 (NIV)
Scripture gives us further insight into obtaining lasting peace:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV) 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) 17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV) 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:9-12 (NIV)
God gives us specific instructions to the way of lasting peace – promises of Scripture that we all can claim as we participate in the Divine commands through the power of the Holy Spirit. A lover of God’s Word coupled with a steadfast mind that trusts in Him will evidence great and perfect peace in a life. A righteous, thankful, prayerful, life leads to a life filled with peace which transcends our understanding. Jesus Himself tells us in John: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 (NIV) Obey His commands, claim His promises. “The path to spiritual wholeness lies in my increasingly faithful response to the One whose purpose shapes my path, whose power liberates me from crippling bondages of my previous journey, and whose transforming presence meets me at every turn in the road.” Robert Mulholland