This week we will consider the third advent theme of love. There are few better places to begin than Jesus own words:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
In this season of Advent, and every season, remember dear reader, YOU are loved by God. A great sacrificial, unconditional love.
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The psalmist writes at a time when there was an understanding of the shortcomings of men, but only the promise of peace with God.
“Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,” Psalm 49:7-8 ESV
No man was worthy to ransom another. Until God carried out his great plan…
Again from Paul’s letter to Colossae…
“For in him [Jesus] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV)
Let’s remember that the love of God for his estranged children was so great that he was willing to pay the price himself. Only he could pay that price. For the price require a sinless life. This Jesus did. To make peace.
Oh how great is the love of God for us that he would make peace with us and welcome us to his throne of Grace. As the psalmist says elsewhere:
“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” (Psalm 59:17 ESV)
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We read in Is. 9.6 about the Prince of Peace. One of Paul’s letters was written to encourage people living in a time of confusion, threat and discouragement. (Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.)
Paul’s answer to the struggles of the people of Colossae was this: Jesus brings peace, set your mind on him.
In that letter, in the first chapter, there is what we think is an early song. It is found in verses 15-20. The last two verses, what feels like the third stanza to me if I think of it as a song, are these wonderful words:
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV)
Later, the apostle goes on to help us see what to do:
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV) In context, the previous verse reminds of that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Cf. Mark 16:19) advocating for us (Cf. Isaiah 59:16, Romans 8:34).
So, as we reflect on the already – not yet, let us set our minds – through the disciplines – on Jesus, the bringer of peace, the Prince of Peace.
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Yesterday we simply looked at Jesus promise about peace from John’s gospel. Today Paul described the ultimate nature of peace.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1 ESV
The coming of Jesus brings peace, peace between me and God. It is when that peace fills me that I can begin to have peace with others. It’s not a magic wand, an instant change, it’s a process of development. When I grow in my appreciation of this peace with God I can really start to grow in peace with others. This is the work of the Spirit, and is why peace is one on the fruits of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23)
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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 ESV
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It’s a very familiar verse. Maybe one of the seasons most well known and rightfully beloved.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
I suggest also reading the minimum context in verses 1-7.
The greatest peace is not between neighbors, tribes or nations. It is with God. When I am at peace with God I am better able to be at peace with others. Jesus came that we may have peace.
Join me in thanking God for peace.
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