Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
We come to the Christmas season and society is a buzz with good cheer and hope. Yet we look at the news and see there are over 184 armed conflicts in the world between nations, civil wars, ethnic wars, religious wars. So where is the Peace on Earth and Good will towards men that Jesus was supposed to bring?
In fact Jesus said :
Matthew 10:34 “34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Luke 12:51 “51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:”
WHAT I am confused. The scripture is never wrong so we need to search out an explanation in the whole counsel of the Scriptures. Jesus also said
John 14:27 “27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
So this peace that was proclaimed is not a peace as the world thinks of, freedom from conflict. But its a peace that allows us to rest not being afraid or troubled because Jesus has redeemed us and resolved the conflict between those who believe in the name of Jesus and the Just and Might God the Father.
John 16:33 “33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Thus Paul is able to say:
Romans 5:1 “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Romans 15:13 “13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
This Christmas let us remind ourselves and world around us that if we are to find Peace than we need to heed this saying I saw on a bumper Sticker
No God, No Peace Know God Know Peace.
