(Revision 2023)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14 ESV (my emphasis)
Note: With all that’s going on in the world the Lord wants to remind us of His Peace.
I hope this encourages you as He encourages me.
Peace: Greek- εἰρήνη
Shalom: Hebrew – שָׁלוֹם
At the time of Christ’s birth, while at night shepherds were tending their sheep, an angel appeared to them along with a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
But to whom is God’s Peace given, and to whom is He pleased? God’s peace came with His salvation, and those who receive it also have His Peace. It is the fruit of the Spirit, and by it we are identified as belonging to Christ. (Galatians 5: 22-23)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:1-2
The angels proclaimed God’s Peace at the birth of His Son, and when Jesus was ready to depart this earth He comforted His disciples with these words:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Notice, Jesus did not promise peace through circumstances, for that peace comes by the ways of this world. But the peace He promised, comes through faith. The promise of peace is to the ones who pray in all their circumstances, trusting God, to take care of it all:
“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4: 6-7
Is there an exception to being unafraid if we are in Christ Jesus? God’s Word tells us “No”:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Therefore, if we are in Jesus Christ we have peace with God and with one another. For Christ reconciled us to God through His sacrifice and taught us to love. So what separates the believer from the unbeliever is faith in His blood. For we have peace through faith in His righteousness and not in our own. (Hebrews 13: 20-21)
When Jesus entered Jerusalem to lay down His life, He was met with similar words the angels proclaimed at His birth:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:38
But not all accept His Peace of salvation, it is a choice:
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42
It is prophesied that the end will occur when people find peace not in Christ’s salvation but embrace the “peace of this world”:
“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3
So let us remember, genuine peace can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing His Word. (Hosea 4:6, John 15:1-17)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Resources for further Study on God’s Peace:
What is the peace of God, and how can I experience it? | GotQuestions.org
Bible Hub: biblehub.com
Right on Mary!!