Dec. 17 - God's answer to world peace
Contributed by
Jayne Delagrange, senior elementary education major from Goshen, Ind. on Sunday December 16
Scripture
Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 10:34 Luke 2:14, John 14:27, 16:33, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14, Colosians 3:15.
This week, read: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25.
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Devotion
As the world is in turmoil, we all are praying and seeking peace. I don’t believe we will ever have complete peace (no wars) on earth without full communion with Jesus. Jesus came so that we can have peace – not world peace, but His peace (John 14:27, 16:33).
Jesus is God’s gift to us, as was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; … and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“
Jesus came to earth to bring peace (Luke 2:14), and to live a peaceful life, but most of all to give us His peace. Jesus says, Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. (John 14:27).
Jesus is God’s gift of peace to us. Until the world knows (ginosko – believes fully) Jesus, there will be enmity and war. The world can know this Peace through communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection has torn the veil, which separated us from God. We have direct access to God and can be forgiven of all our sins (Ephesians 2:14-18, Romans 5:1). By our faith in Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and know His presence in us (Immanuel—God with us. Matt. 1:23).
Though there may not be external peace as the world gives, we can instead achieve the peace that Jesus gives. As another Christmas season approaches, continue sharing His peace until all know (ginosko – believe fully in) Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
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