Monday Devo - Philippians 4:6-7

Peace 

Ever wonder where the Peace symbol came from, the actual design and the meaning behind it?  In 1958, a Brit named Gerald Holtom created this lasting image as a call for nuclear disarmament (the letters “N” and “D” using semaphore). 

This symbol, ☮, was released to the public, coincidentally on Easter.  During this time, the Cold War between Russia and the U.S. and its allies was well underway.  Pacifist groups were calling for peace around the world.  In just a couple of years, this symbol made it to the U.S. and before you knew it, it was on the rear window of countless Volkswagen Buses and Beetles.  In addition, the timeless hand gesture for peace, the infamous “V-sign” ✌, was originally used by Allies in WWII as a sign for victory.  Later activists flipped its meaning and adopted it as a sign of peace.  In both cases, these symbols were in opposition to war, which obviously brings about unrest and instability.

We desire our lives to be stable and full of rest.  We desire peace.  We want peace of mind when making decisions, and desire that any angst, nervousness, and uncertainty that we experience be settled and calmed.  In the event of a disagreement or at worst, war, we call for peace between rivals.  

In some respects, you can liken war to the game of football.  Have you played football (on grass or turf) in street shoes or even in bare feet?  While you may feel somewhat equipped to play the game, something is amiss.  You just aren’t as sure-footed.  You’re less confident in your abilities to elude a defender, step into a pass, or kick an extra point through the uprights, than you are if you have cleated (spiked) shoes on.  These shoes provide security and a quiet confidence for the player on the gridiron.  Similarly, when we put on the Armor of God, especially when we equip the Gospel of Peace on our feet (Eph 6:15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.), we feel confidence in knowing the good news of Jesus Christ, the fact that he conquered death by dying on the cross for us, can help us stand our ground on the otherwise un-firm foundation of the world and the chaos it can throw at us.

While the battle on the football field is physical, the war for eternity is spiritual.  No matter what Satan conjures up to break us down and lose hope, i.e. family feuds, a terminal illness, loss of a job, or even divisiveness through a pandemic, we can be certain that God is in control of it all and no evil scheme can overcome the power of the gospel of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.  Let us remember what Paul wrote in Phil. 4:6-7, when he said, Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 Let us rest in Him.  Amen.

“The fact that he conquered death by dying on the cross for us, can help us stand our ground on the otherwise un-firm foundation of the world and the chaos it can throw at us.”