Pastor Sam's Weekly Devotionals
Advent Week Two Reflection: Jesus, Our Peace
Verse for Meditation:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
As we reflect on Jesus’ birth in this season of Advent, we usually reflect on four key aspects of our faith in Christ: love, peace, joy, and hope. Here is the second reflection, on peace:
IN WORD Isaiah prophesied about the coming “Prince of Peace” (9:6). The angels declared peace on earth in Luke 2:14 as they announced the coming Lord. But Jesus had a different declaration. He will be the source of division on earth. People will fight about the truth of His words. They will draw swords against each other in heated conflict over His claims. The fact of His cross and resurrection would become history’s greatest scandal. When persecution comes, friends and family members will turn each other in. And when judgment comes, He will be the dividing line by which families and nations are split.
Was His prophecy true? History bears it out. There is no more controversial figure in the entire human race than Jesus. He has been blessed as God incarnate and cursed as a man-made delusion. He has changed countless lives even while “scholars” have disputed whether He ever existed.
No, the kind of peace the world seeks is harmony on this planet. Jesus made it clear that His peace is of a different order. It reconciles God with His traitorous creatures and humanity with its holy God. It puts a new Spirit in a once-conflicted heart. It is a peace within and a peace from above, but it is not universal peace among our race. Many hate Him. It will always be so. Such is the rebellion of man.
IN DEED Who would have thought that the infant in Bethlehem would be so scandalous? But the enemy knew it in the Garden, Herod saw it in the star, and Pilate heard it from the mobs. No one could make such kingly claims without controversy, even when demonstrating their truth. The pride of the human heart will bow to no Lord, especially One who reveals its sin. The Prince of Peace? Absolutely. But not the kind the world expects. Our peace is deeper and better—and it lasts forever. “O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing.” —Edmund Sears (“Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)
When we look around our world and see the many conflicts, we wish the world would return to “peace.” But the worldly definition of peace is the absence of conflict.
The peace that Jesus offers is much deeper and lasting as it roots out sins and transforms our lives for true community. If you would like a glimpse of what that would look like, reflect on Psalms 130 – 134 this week. These are the last five psalms of the Songs of Ascent that pilgrims sang as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. They were intended to be used at the journey’s end when they entered Zion’s gates and prepared to enter into the Lord’s presence. We do not have a physical temple today, but we are the Lord’s temple. As you reflect on these psalms, ask the Holy Spirit to realize true peace as Jesus indwells in you. Have a blessed week of a deepening experience of Jesus’ presence! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam