The Promise of Peace
John Gipson is among the best writers of our time. He addresses, in an elegantly terse manner, issues that are biblical, theological, philosophical, and intersecting, from time-to-time, with apologetics. His writing is extremely practical and polished. Though penned fifty years ago, the following article is powerfully timely for this moment in history. It is one of 300 articles included in the commemorative volume, Living: Principles on Living the Christian Life—A 50-Year Collection of Articles by John Gipson, published in 2019 by The Jenkins Institute (thejenkinsinstitue.com).
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Are we drowning in a sea of troubles? Look at the chaos we reap because of man’s inhumanity to man. Consider the depths of degradation in this dark world of sin. With sorrows flooding our souls, we vainly struggle to meet life’s pressing duties. With Byron, the poet, we are apt to cry, “Oh that the desert were my dwelling place?”
How many people do you know that are suffering from some nervous disorder . . . have had a nervous breakdown . . . or “are planning to have one,” as soon as they can save up enough money to afford it?
Into such a world torn with strife came the Prince of Peace. The night that Mary brought forth her firstborn son there were shepherds abiding in the field who heard an angel say, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” And suddenly, “there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward man” (Luke 2:14). Throughout his life this stranger from the shores of Galilee brought a welcome light with rays of peace into the dark corners of the world. He reminded his disciples that, whenever they entered a house, they should say, “Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:5).
But eventually this hostile world snuffed out the life of this peace-loving man by nailing him to a cross. His disciples fled in fear. A few days later they huddled behind a locked door. They were gripped by fear. A step on the stairs, a knock on the door might signal their arrest by emissaries of the Sanhedrin. Knowing the bitterness of the Jews, their lives were standing in jeopardy. But suddenly . . . Jesus came into their midst breathing a benediction, “Peace be with you.” Once again,
As on the Sea of Galilee,
The Christ is whispering “Peace.
No longer will they crouch in fear. No longer will their hearts be troubled. They will be afflicted in every way and sometimes perplexed. They will be persecuted and struck down, but they will not lose heart. For the peace which Christ brings is superior to the storms of life. It is a peace with God and a peace within one’s self. It is heaven’s perfect peace.
Christ only has the answer. So into the world they went, “Preaching peace by Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:36).
John Gipson
29 January 1970
Little Rock, AR