“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ” (1 Peter 5:13-14).
Who is she who is in Babylon? Is Peter’s son, Mark, the same one who took dictation for Simon Peter and wrote the Gospel? Does it matter if we know the answer to these questions? Live in the faith you have been given by our Lord and Savior and know that your hope is in Him and not in things you know. There is peace for all of those who are in Christ. Love one another as the Lord has commanded.
Lord, You have given us peace, but I confuse this as the cessation of hostilities. This world is always hostile. Your peace is based upon salvation, the gift of eternal life, and yet, in saying this, it truly is beyond all human understanding. Help me to live in You and in that blessed assurance, the peace You give in the faith You give. Guide me now and forever to know that You have given me the hope of all eternity.
Lord Jesus, You have done all that is needed so that I may now and forever be guided by You in the promise that comes from grace and mercy. Continue to keep my heart and mind open to what You will teach me so that I may be guided by Your goodness to become like You. Help me through all the hostilities of this world, knowing that Your peace is always with me in every circumstance. Amen.
