Peace or Rejection: Responding to the Invitation of Jesus
I think we all want peace.
Not just the absence of conflict—but real, deep, steady peace.
The kind that settles your heart.
The kind that holds you together when life feels overwhelming.
The kind that doesn’t disappear when circumstances change.
And yet, if I’m honest, there are times when I don’t feel that peace at all.
Even as a Christian.
So I’ve had to ask myself:
What kind of peace is Jesus actually offering—and have I truly received it?
“Peace to This House”
In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two of His followers with a clear instruction:
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” — Luke 10:5 (NIV)
That sounds simple—but it’s incredibly rich.
This peace isn’t just a greeting.
It includes:
salvation
wholeness
God’s presence
restoration
emotional and spiritual health
It’s what Jesus later describes as the abundant life.
And it echoes the blessing in Numbers:
“The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:26 (NIV)
Peace Is Offered—But Not Always Received
Here’s what stood out to me:
Not everyone receives this peace.
Jesus says that if a “person of peace” is there, the peace will rest on them. If not, it returns.
That means:
Peace is offered… but it must be received.
And that raises a personal question:
Have I truly received the peace of God?
Or have I only understood it in theory?
Why We Struggle to Experience Peace
If I’m honest, there are ways I sabotage peace in my own life.
I hold onto control
I entertain anxiety
I focus on worldly pressures
I drift from God
I resist obedience
And then I wonder why I feel unsettled.
But Scripture is clear:
True peace is found in relationship with God—not apart from Him.
Jesus said:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.” — John 14:27 (NIV)
The Kingdom and Peace Go Together
In Luke 10:9, the disciples are told to say:
“The kingdom of God has come near to you.” (NIV)
That’s important.
Because peace is not separate from the kingdom of God—it’s part of it.
Where God reigns…
peace follows.
So if I want to experience peace, I need to ask:
Is God truly reigning in my life?
Because peace is not just a feeling—it’s the result of surrender.
A Warning: Peace Rejected Has Consequences
This is the part we don’t always talk about.
Jesus says that those who reject this message of peace will face serious consequences:
“It will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” — Luke 10:12 (NIV)
That’s strong.
It reminds me that this isn’t just an invitation—it’s a decision.
Peace… or rejection.
Life… or separation.
A Real-Life Example: Nabal
In 1 Samuel 25, Nabal is offered peace—but he rejects it.
He responds with arrogance and foolishness.
And it leads to his downfall.
That story reminds me:
Rejecting peace is not neutral—it’s dangerous.
But receiving it?
That’s wisdom.
Life or Death: The Choice Is Ours
In Deuteronomy, God says:
“I have set before you life and death… Now choose life.” — Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
And just before that:
“The word is very near you…” — Deuteronomy 30:14 (NIV)
That hits home.
Because the same is true for me.
The message of God is near.
The invitation is clear.
So the question is:
What will I choose?
What About Me—Am I at Peace With God?
This is the most important question.
Not:
Do I feel calm?
Is my life going smoothly?
Are things under control?
But:
Am I at peace with God?
Because that’s where everything starts.
And if I’m not?
Then I don’t need to delay.
Responding to the Invitation
If I haven’t received this peace, the response is simple—but serious:
admit my sin
turn from it
ask God for forgiveness
trust in Jesus
surrender my life
That’s where peace begins.
And if I have received it?
Then I have a responsibility.
Sharing Peace With Others
Just like the seventy-two, I am called to share this message.
Not aggressively.
Not forcefully.
But faithfully.
And when people reject it?
I don’t take it personally.
I don’t become discouraged.
I remember:
It’s their response to God—not just to me.
How This Shapes My Life
This truth does two things in me:
1. It gives me urgency
People need to hear about this peace.
2. It gives me clarity
There are only two responses—receive or reject.
And that helps me live with purpose.
Looking Ahead: Peace or Punishment
1 Thessalonians says:
“Jesus… rescues us from the coming wrath.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NIV)
That’s the future.
And it’s real.
Those who receive Him—experience peace.
Those who reject Him—face judgment.
That’s not easy to think about.
But it matters.
Reflection Questions
How would you describe your current state of peace—physically, emotionally, spiritually?
Do you agree that true peace cannot be found apart from Jesus? Why or why not?
In what ways have you sabotaged peace in your life?
What is the connection between God’s kingdom and peace?
How do you respond when people reject the message of the gospel?
Are you confident that you are at peace with God?
What does it mean to you that the kingdom of God has come near?
How can you share this message of peace with others?
Practical Application for This Week
1. Examine your heart
Ask: Am I truly at peace with God?
2. Let go of what disrupts peace
Identify one area where you need to surrender control.
3. Spend time with God daily
Peace grows in His presence.
4. Share the message of peace
Tell one person about Jesus this week.
5. Pray for boldness and compassion
Ask God to use you to bring peace to others.
Peace is not automatic.
It is offered.
It is received.
And it is lived out.
So the question remains:
Will I receive it…
and will I share it?