Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2:14
The heavenly chorus sang the birth announcement of Jesus, proclaiming not only his birth but the prophetic purpose of His death. The coming of Jesus would usher in the greatest glory to God and the only means of peace for us.
From the moment of His birth on that first Christmas (which we associate so strongly with the above words from the second chapter of Luke), every day of Jesus’ life on earth was a step in His journey to death on the cross.
He was born to die.
The prophet Isaiah foretold it years before:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
The love and obedience of Jesus makes Him wonderful, mighty, and everlasting. His obedience to become man and take on death makes Him the ultimate peacemaker, ushering in peace between God and man. Isaiah confirms in verse 7 that, “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”
No end. The peace He provides is a lasting, eternal peace. This peace brings hope for tomorrow – confident, sure, steadfast hope that also resonates back to today. We can live unhindered. Not anxious. Free from the frenzy of trying and failing. Free from the is-it-enough worry and the is-it-real wondering.
Jesus changes everything … for that day (when each of us steps out of this life and into eternity) and for this day (where we move and breathe now).
He is wonderful for this day.
He is mighty for this day.
He is everlasting for this day.
He brings peace for this day.
Do you know that, beloved? Do you truly believe that? Or has your salvation been something akin to a life insurance policy – paid up and tucked away in the safe deposit box for a time in the future, with zero impact on today’s trials and responsibilities?
This Easter Sunday, I challenge you to celebrate a wondrous fact: the Gospel of Jesus brings good news for that day, but also for this day. Will you choose to rest in that blessed assurance, to lean into that truth that sets you free? To embrace the Gospel that not only delivers your soul for eternity, but allows you to live free – to live loved – today?
Let’s lift our voices with those of the heavenly chorus proclaiming glory to God, as we celebrate this perfect peace that has come to us through Christ’s triumphant resurrection.
Thank you, Jesus.
In Friday’s devotional video, Laura encouraged each of us to spend time in contemplation and prayer, as we ponder the peace we have because of the sacrifice Jesus made to secure our eternal salvation.
I’m grateful for your sober message of the reminder of what Good Friday means to us as believers but as you said, brings such hope! Hallelujah!
And the challenge to think differently about the word Peace as it relates to what Jesus brings us vs. the world. Thank you Jesus for the beauty of having Your Peace.
Oh that we keep our eyes on Jesus.
(Loved the Tolkien quote…had never heard.)