Jerusalem—the Foundation of Peace
In Revelation 21:2 John says, “I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” New Jerusalem is new because it is constituted with God’s newness. Now let us consider the name Jerusalem.
The title Jerusalem is composed of two Hebrew words—Jeru means “foundation,” and Salem means “peace.”…Jerusalem is something grounded, founded, and safeguarded in peace. The Bible indicates that peace is God Himself. In the New Testament are two titles—the God of peace (Phil. 4:9; 1 Thes. 5:23) and the peace of God (Phil. 4:7)….Also, Ephesians 2:14 indicates that Christ Himself is our peace. This peace is God into whom we have been grounded. This is not an outward peace but an inward peace in which we are safeguarded. In eternity we will enjoy peace forever.*
Philippians 4:6-7 presents the way to experience this peace. “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
We come to God in prayer, presenting our requests (not begging). God knows our needs but He wants us to come to Him for fellowship; then He flows peace to us. This peace is actually God Himself, the God of peace, with us (Phil. 4:9).
This peace is our foundation, guarding us in Christ Jesus. This is a small experience of Jerusalem—the foundation of peace. This should be repeated many times in our lives.
* From chapter 27, Witness Lee, God’s New Testament Economy, published by Living Stream Ministry, © Witness Lee, 1986.
Posted by Don on November 4, 2022
