Peace has always been an elusive word for me.  For some it's just the absence of war or turmoil.  The biblical word, "shalom" is an overall sense of well-being and wholeness.  The final portion of Micah's prophecy we've been considering this week, tells us when the Messiah comes, He will be the "source of peace:  Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.  ⁵And he will be the source of peace.

The first part of the verse didn't come true in Jesus' first coming--His people didn't live undisturbed in their land.  That will wait for His second coming.  Jesus has been highly honored around the world, as the verse tells us.  He IS the source of peace in all of its meanings.  Some of that is the result of His first coming and some of it won't be until He returns.  For example, the inner peace most of us desire is available to everyone who trusts Jesus as Savior and Lord and lives in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The ultimate era of peace when all war and turmoil ceases must wait until Jesus returns. 

As I get older, I think more of that ultimate time when Jesus returns, when all the remaining prophecies about Jesus will be fulfilled.  Whether it will come in my lifetime I don't know, but whenever it comes, it will be so amazing.  The key for us is to be READY.  Part of that readiness is living with the inner peace Jesus comes in everyday circumstances.  Take some time right now to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and to empower you to live in His peace throughout the day no matter what kind of situations you face. 

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for fulfilling all Your promises to us!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may live in Your peace today, and that we may be prepared for that time of ultimate peace that will be ushered in when Jesus returns. This we pray in His name.  Amen.