What Have You to Do with Peace?
In 2 Kings 9:18, we find an intriguing moment. Jehu is on a divine mission to overthrow the house of Ahab, a dynasty drenched in idolatry and bloodshed. As he rides furiously, a watchman sends a messenger to him with a simple question:
“Thus says the king, ‘Is it peace?’ And Jehu said, ‘What have you to do with peace? Turn behind me.’” (NKJV)
At first glance, Jehu’s response sounds harsh—even dismissive. But when we dig deeper, it’s a profound reminder of how often we, as Christians, chase after peace at all costs instead of aligning ourselves with God’s will—even when His will disrupts false peace.
False Peace vs. God’s Peace
The messenger was asking for “peace” in the sense of calmness, stability, no conflict. But God had declared judgment on the house of Ahab. In that moment, there could be no peace without righteousness. Jehu’s mission was not to negotiate peace, but to execute justice.
Other Scriptures echo this tension:
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Jeremiah 6:14 – “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
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Isaiah 48:22 – “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
True peace is never the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of God’s righteousness.
When Christians Seek Peace at All Costs
Like the messenger, many of us ask, “Is it peace?” when we should be asking, “What is God’s will?”
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We stay silent in toxic workplaces, calling it “keeping the peace.”
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We ignore sin in our communities or churches, calling it “unity.”
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We avoid making bold decisions (career, ministry, or family), hoping to avoid conflict, but end up stalling God’s purpose for our lives.
But sometimes God’s word demands that we disrupt the false peace in order to establish His true peace.
What Has God Said About That Situation?
Before chasing “peace,” ask:
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Has God spoken about this condition?
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Is He calling you to confront it, overturn it, or speak against it?
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Could your pursuit of “peace” actually be disobedience?
Jesus Himself warned:
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Matthew 10:34 – “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Christ’s peace is real, eternal, and rooted in His Kingdom, but it often comes after a shaking, after disruption, and after confronting what opposes His will.
A Word for Us Today
So, when you face situations where “peace” seems attractive, remember Jehu’s words:
“What have you to do with peace?”
Not every peace is from God. Sometimes, the disruption you fear is the very thing God will use to bring His lasting peace into your life.
Reflection Questions
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Where am I tolerating false peace in my life right now?
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What situation do I need to confront instead of covering up?
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Have I confused silence with peace?
Prayer Declaration
Father, open my eyes to see the difference between false peace and Your true peace. Give me courage, like Jehu, to follow Your word even when it disrupts comfort. Establish Your righteousness in my life, my family, and my community, and let Your peace that passes understanding guard my heart. Amen.
✨ Key Takeaway: Peace at all costs is not God’s way. Seek His will first—true peace will follow.
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