Peace

Luke 1:68-71

This promise of peace is almost too good to be true: the promised king would come and give us peace and salvation “from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us”. No wonder the shepherds ran out to tell everyone they could. No wonder the wise men traveled so far to meet him. No wonder the disciples seemed so concerned with where and when Jesus was going to establish his kingdom—because it meant peace! Deliverance! Salvation! And yet when we look at the history of the church, or at our brothers and sisters across the world, or even at our own lives, we see there are still those who hate us, there are still enemies of God, his church, and his people. What does this promise of peace mean?

First, Jesus really did deal with our enemies. He struck at the root of all who hate us by crushing the head of the serpent by his death on the cross. Let me be clear: Jesus beat Satan, the power of sin, and death itself through the cross and resurrection. His birth kicked off this rescue mission. His return will bring our final peace from all our enemies. As we look to Christmas and we wait for his return, let’s remember the peace Jesus gave us from our sin, from Satan, from death - the enemies only he could win against. Then, let’s pray for the peace of our brothers and sisters in Christ for the enemies they face from hostile governments, societies, and religious systems.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for beating sin, Satan, and death. Please help me walk in the peace you bring, and please be with our brothers and sisters in the faith around the world who are facing the hand of those who hate them this Christmas.

Question to consider:

Be honest with yourself. Which do you focus on more often: the “enemies” in front of you (struggles in this life, hardships, family members who don’t get your faith) or Jesus’ victory over our deepest enemies: sin, Satan, and death? How would focusing on the peace you have through Jesus change the way you see your struggles?