Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Devotion based on Romans 5:1

If you took a class on ancient history, perhaps you recall the term Pax Romana. Pax Romana is Latin for “The Roman Peace.” It refers to a period in the Roman Empire when, overall, there was very little civil unrest, there were very few wars, and there was great political stability.

Do not imagine, however, that this “peace” was some kind of Utopian Paradise. There were reasons, you see, why most people decided not to create trouble. For example, in the closing scene of the classic movie Spartacus, you see a Roman highway. On each side are crucified men as far as the eye can see. This actually happened. In response to an attempted rebellion, the Empire crucified 6,000 rebels along a major Roman road. The message was loud and clear: If you defy Rome, you’ll end up on a cross. The message worked.

It was during this period of the Pax Romana that the apostle Paul lived. In one sense, Paul’s life was not peaceful at all. People shouted at him in hatred. Others ridiculed him behind his back. Mobs threw stones at him. He received severe beatings. He endured imprisonment. And he grappled with a severe physical problem that plagued him until the day he died.

Nevertheless, God the Holy Spirit moved Paul to speak of a peace that he possessed. As far as Paul was concerned, the peace he possessed was the real thing. What Paul possessed was peace with God.

While the Roman Empire used the cross to enforce a political peace, God used the cross to deliver a real peace. God the Son, Jesus Christ, gathered up all our sins of sinful rebellion. He carried them to a Roman cross. He suffered and died on that cross. He paid for our sins in full. He secured for us peace with God.

In this world, you and I will live through moments, days, and periods that are not peaceful at all. But like Paul, you and I possess peace with God in Jesus. It’s the only peace that’s real. It’s the only peace that will last.

Prayer:

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