The Peacemaker

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:15-20 ESV). The Colt Single Action Army which is also known as the Single Action Army, SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, M1873, and Colt .45 is a single-action revolver with a revolving holding six cartridges. It was designed for the U.S. government service revolver trials of 1872 by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, today's Colt’s Manufacturing Company, and was adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. It was also known as “the gun that won the West.” I have a Ruger Blackhawk single-action western style revolver that is similar. They are fun to shoot; and, I can imagine how important they were in the 1800’s as the western part of our country was being settled. We certainly don’t settle our disputes now the same way as then; but, we all desire to live at peace in our community. Thankfully we have excellent law enforcement officers who help insure our safety and peace. Even with that, I find my search for peace goes beyond my environment. I want peace in my life too. After all, isn’t that one of the promises of Scripture? The Peace of God is often spoken of in the New Testament and it should be our present possession. It is something that belongs to us here and now. From the first moment that we place our faith in Christ, we can begin to experience the peace of God. This is the reference Paul has in our reading today. Many people think that this peace is simply an absence of conflict or anxiety. But biblical peace is much more than that. It is a strong, elevating, positive good in our lives. It isn't just an absence of anxiety; it is the presence of something wonderful beyond our comprehension. Peace has been given to us as a gift from God because we have been justified by faith. It isn't describing a feeling; it's describing a fact. It doesn't come from what we are, but from what He has done. In other words, you can't have the peace of God until you first have peace with God. If we are fighting with God and continually resisting His plan and purpose for our lives, then we won't experience His peace. Maybe it’s time for you to trust in the real “Peacemaker.” His name is Jesus!