Peace, Part 1
Peace is mentioned even more than patience in the Bible.
Peace, according to the world is ... "The normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world," or "the state existing during the absence of war," or "freedom from civil disorder."
Peace is something we all want, but usually demand it on our terms. Only One could lay out both the terms of peace, both vertically and horizontally, and make peace possible.
Such peace is something our hearts yearn for, but it can only be had on God's terms. Grind your teeth at that thought? He isn't obligated to make peace with rebels such as we are. That He deigns to offer peace should cause us to agree to His terms, whatever they are.
Christ came as the Prince of Peace. When Christ was born, Luke records a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14).
When Christ was brought to the temple to be presented to God, a man named Simeon praised God in these words: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
That wasn't all Simeon had to say about Christ. He told the Lord's mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will piece through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
More on this next week.
Peace, according to the world is ... "The normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world," or "the state existing during the absence of war," or "freedom from civil disorder."
Peace is something we all want, but usually demand it on our terms. Only One could lay out both the terms of peace, both vertically and horizontally, and make peace possible.
Such peace is something our hearts yearn for, but it can only be had on God's terms. Grind your teeth at that thought? He isn't obligated to make peace with rebels such as we are. That He deigns to offer peace should cause us to agree to His terms, whatever they are.
Christ came as the Prince of Peace. When Christ was born, Luke records a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14).
When Christ was brought to the temple to be presented to God, a man named Simeon praised God in these words: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
That wasn't all Simeon had to say about Christ. He told the Lord's mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will piece through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
More on this next week.
posted by Ebeth | 9:48 AM
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