Mosaic Mansfield

Why pursue it? Because we are to imitate God as dearly loved children… (Eph 5:1)
Who Himself pursued and pursues, peace, with us. (Luke 2; John 1; 3)

There are very few things in scripture that we are implored or even commanded to pursue, let alone, “seek… and… pursue”. We’re to pursue God, seeking him and our relationship with him “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13. (Matt 7:7-8; Psalm 34:4)

But, peace… to seek, AND, pursue. Why peace?

Peace is one thing God commands us to seek, and, pursue. Why? Because it is the substance of our relationship with God. Having been made whole with him, and maintaining that wholeness, with God, in Christ, we are to be whole; created by God to be at peace, with God – brought into the wholeness that is God and relationship with God. And so…

…we are broken pieces brought together by God’s loving and gracious hand to make something beautiful – to be tied into the whole.

Peter speaks of the Psalmist’s imploring us in the seeking of peace and its pursuit. Peace with God, and to be in constant pursuit of living in and experiencing that peace. This is what we are set our heart’s eyes on. This beautiful recognition of being what we are, these pieces, being collected and being made part of the whole, we are now, having had peace extended to us, we are, in turn, to seek peace, promote peace (in the body), and bring peace, by being instruments of peace, to those who do not know peace...

Why? Because God’s word indicates that peace is what exists when we are right with God, whole with God, and whole (with) ourselves and others… and Jesus came, to bring peace, as the Prince of Peace.

And why is peace so important, that God would say “seek and pursue…”? Because…

Peace is the very substance, the affirmation, of our relationship with God, and therefore, pursuing peace (with God and others) is actually, then, our continued pursuing of God.

How do we do this? Like any other relationship: by removing and renouncing anything that breaks the peace, that stands between me and the other. Then, doing all we can to keep the peace.

Oh, to be at peace – to have tranquility of soul – mind, body, spirit – with the Spirit.

That is why peace, having peace, being at peace, is such an enormous relief. That is why being forgiven is so important. We have dis-ease and we need peace, we cannot rightly live without peace – whole and healthy, effective and productive - peace.

Peace is not peace if it is not peace with someone with whom we need and desire peace… it is the armistice between two adversaries; it is the repair of broken trust; it is the reconciling of two whose love has been strained; it is the calming of the heart and mind of the anxious and fearful… It is the assurance of knowing that we are loved, loved dearly, and that that love is a love expressed by the One who initiates, peace… who sought it, pursued, who hunted and caught its prey… me, you, us, and our hearts – now, at peace

Colossians “Let peace rule your hearts…

Psalm 34(:14); 1Peter 3:8-(11)12 “...shun evil…, ...seek peace and pursue it, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and He is attentive to their cry…”
● To shun evil is to run from and renounce anything that does not reflect God, to not go the way of dis-ease with God
Then…
● To seek - desire, to strive for, to see and want
● To pursue - to hunt down; aggressively chase, like a hunter pursuing a catch; pursue with all haste (chasing after), earnestly, eagerly, desiring to overtake, apprehend.
○ To pursue (peace) means to (Rom 12:18; 14:19; 2Tim 2:22; 1Tim 6:11; Heb 12:14)
■ Avoid sin and what divides and separates
■ To have turned away from anything that opposes to God
…and having done so…
● Turn toward God and what leads to peace with Him
● And do what pleases Him

Why pursue peace, like this!? Because Peace (God) pursued us, like this. Peace.

Isaiah 9:2-7 God’s relentless pursuit… of peace, with us.
● Creation calling out to all mankind - God! (Rom 1)
● Wisdom calling out to all mankind - God! (Prov 1:20; 8:1)
● The Light and Life came to earth, calling out to all mankind - God! (John 1)

Colossians 3:12-14 - Chosen… preferred, by implication, favorite
● A Son is born - favorite
● Abraham and his, Israel - favorite (Gen 17-18; Rom 4:3, 17-18; Gal 3:6, 9; Heb 11:9-11; Ja 2:23)
● Adopted sons and daughters - favorite (Luke 12:32; Eph 1(:5)&2; Rom 8)
● Anyone, anyone at all, who will come - favorite (John 1:9-14; 3:15-21)