In the year 1520, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, was trying to find a maritime route to the spice lands in South-East Asia. As he was travelling, he entered into an unfamiliar body of water. This water was different from that of other oceans, because it was so peaceful (pacific). For this reason, he called it the Pacific Ocean. This is how the Pacific Ocean got its name, and henceforth, it has been known as such.
We as Christians are also travelling to a better “spice land” even the heavenly land, where dwells our loving Father. We also are to pass through a spiritual ocean of peace, which is Christ the Lord. It was in answer to Thomas’ question that Jesus said: “no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. Yes! Not even one had ever, can ever, nor will ever, come to the Father except through Jesus. Isaiah calls Him “the Prince of Peace.” He further assures us that when He shall sit on the throne of His father David peace shall be perpetual: “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6–7. Peace! Peace! And, peace!—is associated with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our experience though must be more extensive than that of Magellan. We are not only to pass through the route of peace, but we also are to partake of its peace and exhibit it in all our associations with men. The peaceful life of Christ must become ours as well. However, the question is: How can we achieve that? The inspired writings answer us in the following manner: “It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell.” –The Great Controversy, p. 555
We will now look at the life of Jesus beginning at His infancy, in order that by so doing, and through God’s grace, we can become changed into the same image.
A Peaceful Young Boy
Concerning Christ’s childhood and youth, the Spirit of Prophecy states that: “In every gentle and submissive way, Jesus tried to please those with whom He came in contact.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 85
“Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above these difficulties, as if in the light of God’s countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used, but bore insult patiently.” –Ibid., p. 89
“Again and again, He was asked, why do You submit to such despiteful usage, even from Your brothers? It is written, He said, ‘My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart keep My commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.’ Proverbs 3:1-4.” –Ibid., p. 89
“Even in His youth He had to learn the hard lesson of silence and patient endurance.” –Ibid., p. 86
“Harmless and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; amid the unjust publicans, the reckless prodigals, the unrighteous Samaritans, the heathen soldiers, the rough peasants, and the mixed multitude.” –Ibid., p. 90
A Peaceful Adult
When Jesus had entered upon His ministry, some men tried to tempt Him to engage in a quarrel with them, but so far as possible, He avoided them.
One day, “As Christ was teaching the people, ‘a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ The large congregation eagerly waited to hear His answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. ‘What is written in the law?’ He said; ‘how readest thou?’ The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai; but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God’s commandments.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 497
“And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your Master pay tribute?” Matthew 17:24 “Now His enemies saw an opportunity of casting discredit upon Him. In the collector of the tribute, they found a ready ally.” But instead of entering into much exchange of words to show that He was under no such obligation, we read that “He entered into no controversy with the Jews in regard to the matter; for they would have misinterpreted His words, and turned them against Him. Lest He should give offense by withholding the tribute, He did that which He could not justly be required to do. This lesson would be of great value to His disciples. Marked changes were soon to take place in their relation to the temple service, and Christ taught them not to place themselves needlessly in antagonism to established order. So far as possible, they were to avoid giving occasion for misinterpretation of their faith. While Christians are not to sacrifice one principle of truth, they should avoid controversy whenever it is possible to do so.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 433–434
How fragrant is the smell of Jesus’ youth and adulthood life. Let us move on to see His last hours.
Peaceful Suffering Saviour
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
“‘Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe.’ The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jewish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience failed not.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 731
“He who could have doomed His enemies to death bore with their cruelty. His love for His Father, and His pledge, made from the foundation of the world, to become the Sin Bearer, led Him to endure uncomplainingly the coarse treatment of those He came to save. It was a part of His mission to bear, in His humanity, all the taunts and abuse that men could heap upon Him. The only hope of humanity was in this submission of Christ to all that He could endure from the hands and hearts of men.” –Ibid., p. 700
“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:3
Christ’s Character an Example to Us
Today also, our loving Saviour is speaking to us saying, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29. Meekness does not only refer to a life of quietude. Noah Webster’s Dictionary defines meekness as “Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations.” This is the character that Christ is calling us to form, and when we have attained we are assured of the promise: “ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
The Lord expects us always to live a life of peace and calmness of heart even under provocation.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
“Mild measures, soft answers, and pleasant words are much better fitted to reform and save, than severity and harshness. A little too much unkindness may place persons beyond your reach, while a conciliatory spirit would be the means of binding them to you, and you might then establish them in the right way.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 65
Let me say honestly; it really takes two to create an argument. A quarrel is not one-sided. It takes at least two parties to create a controversy. If one chooses not to fight back, the quarrel, the anger, and everything else quickly disappears. “There is a wonderful power in silence. When impatient words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry
usually act as a whip, lashing the temper into greater fury. But anger met by silence quickly dies away. Let the Christian bridle his tongue, firmly resolving not to speak harsh, impatient words. With the tongue bridled, he may be victorious in every trial of patience through which he is called to pass.” –Messages to Young People, p. 135
Christ Himself Our Only Hope
“In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control. In His strength he may bring his thoughts and words into subjection to the will of God. The religion of Christ brings the emotions under the control of reason and disciplines the tongue. Under its influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.” –Ibid., p. 136
“Hold firmly to the One who has all power in heaven and in earth. Though you so often fail to reveal patience and calmness, do not give up the struggle. Resolve again, this time more firmly, to be patient under every provocation. And never take your eyes off your divine Example.” –The Review and Herald, October 31, 1907
I would like to end with a story which I heard from a man who told of his own experience. He had an anger issue and would easily get riled up in retaliation to any provocation done to him. This had been his behaviour for a long time. One day he went on a journey by public transport. While on the way, the conductor mistakenly accused him of not having paid the fare. He tried to convince him that he had indeed paid, but the conductor would not believe him. The conductor then grew angry and spued all kinds of insulting words at the man in the hearing of everyone on board. What do you think the man’s reaction would be? The obvious answer would be that he shouted at the top of his lungs in retaliation to prove that he was no coward. But, NO! Something different happened. He had felt bad about his anger problem for awhile now, and at that moment he sent a prayer to heaven. He then just had a feeling in his heart like a sudden rupture of an inflated vehicle. He now had relief from internal high pressure. A feeling of peace came into his heart. He then simply asked the bus driver to stop, and he got off from the minibus; then off he went on his way. He told me that, from that time onwards, he has been leading a life of peace with people. What a precious change this was. May the LORD relieve us also of our internal pressure of anger—a deflation of all bitterness and self-vindication. May we be a correct representation of the true Pacific Ocean, Jesus Christ, “the Prince of Peace.” Amen.
Emmanuel Salamba
Malawi
ONE THING THAT IS CERTAIN
One thing is certain in this world –
The uncertainty.
This same food that I am eating now
May be the last in my life.
How shall I give an account
Of this eating that destroys both the physical and the mental faculties?
Help me, O God
I am a steward of this Thy soul temple.
One thing is certain in this world –
The uncertainty.
These same clothes that I am putting on,
May be the last in my life.
How shall I give an account
Of this dressing that gives a false representation of my profession as a Christian?
Help me, O God
I am Thy letter, opened for all to read.
One thing is certain in this world –
The uncertainty.
These same words that I am speaking,
May be the last in my life.
How shall I give an account
Of all these empty and unbecoming utterances?
Help me, O God
I am Thy mouth-piece to the fallen world.
One thing is indeed certain in this world –
The uncertainty.
This same day that I am spending,
May be the last in my life.
How shall I give an account
of all the misuse of time through idleness and improprieties?
Help me, O God
I am a poor probationer in this pilgrim land.
Emmanuel Azariah Salamba