Wednesday, December 7, 2016

December 8, 2016

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14

The Beatles sang about it.

Nearly every beauty pageant contestant talks about it.

The shepherds were interested in it and the angels announced it.

What is IT?

World peace, or as the angels put it, "peace on earth".

So, if Jesus came to bring it why don't we have it?

The short answer is this, "Peace doesn't come to planets it comes to people and it comes from a Person." 

This Person that peace comes from is named Jesus, the One the angels announced as "The Savior" and "The Messiah" or "The Lord".

Why three names for one person?

I think the three names give us some insights into the origins of securing peace.

Peace is found in the Savior! 

Jesus becomes your Savior only after you have been saved! Saved from what? Saved from your sinful selfish rebellious destructive human nature! By surrendering to Jesus as your source of peace He can begin to calm the war within your soul.

Peace is found in the Messiah!

As the "Messiah", Jesus was the One anointed by God to be the Deliver of His people. 

Deliverer from what? From sin! From rebellion! From alienation and self-destruction! From guilt! From shame! From the fear of judgment!

Deliverer to what? To peace with God! To peace within!

Peace is found in the Lord!

A lord is one who owns, possesses, holds absolute authority over another. A lord is one who is served by those under his authority.

When you recognize Jesus as your Lord you are declaring absolute surrender. What does absolute surrender do? It ends a war! What does the end of a war bring? It brings peace! The enemy is conquered and the lord reigns!

Peace can't be realized by writing it into song lyrics.

Peace can't be won by winning a beauty pageant.

Peace was won by a Person! That Person is Jesus! Jesus was God born into flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit to win the battle over sin and death and give peace a chance!

Peace has a Name and it's Jesus!

Know Jesus, know peace!

No Jesus, no peace!