Who Will Receive Peace?
Request: Lord, open my eyes as I read your word, my ears to hear, my mind to understand, and my heart to be filled with your love. Amen.
Read Luke 2:8-20
Record your favorite verse and comment if you want to share.
Respond with a prayer to God
This is the grand announcement of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. These guys were the first to know that the long-awaited Messiah had been born. The lowly shepherds in the darkness of night. The Angel of the Lord did the announcing, causing great fear among them. Every time the Glory of God is revealed, it strikes terror in those who experience it, and they must be told, “Don’t be afraid.”
Next, heaven is opened and a great company of the heavenly host appears with the angel and they all give glory to God. It is assumed these were angels, but the heavenly host consists of all things created by God. They praise God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to the people His favor rests.”.
Since the birth, death and resurrection of our Savior, there certainly has not been peace on earth. There has never been lasting peace since creation was cursed after the original sin. So, who are these people who will receive peace and God’s undeserved favor? They are those who believe that Jesus was born to die in their place. Those who recognize their sin, ask His forgiveness and repent. The ones who have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus, and their sin is not held against them. Above all, this is the peace we need. Peace with God.
My verse: Luke 2:19, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
There are many times God allows me to see things that I treasure and ponder on. A small sign, or hint that a loved one is headed in the right direction. Sometimes it’s an assurance that what I believe is true. It may be something that is said at just the right time, reading a verse or story in the Bible that speaks to me, or hearing that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. These things are indeed worth pondering on, and it’s as if I found great treasure!
My response: Thank you, Lord, for the good things you have given me to think about and treasure, for they are gifts from you!
1 Comment. Leave new
Luke 2:20 “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”
I imagine that when something as wild and unexpected as an angel showing up happens, it’s hard to take it in. Did that just really happen? I think that would be a normal response. So, the shepherds go and see. And, as verse 16 in the New Living Translation puts it, “and there was the baby, lying in the manger.” Wonder and awe turn to praise and rejoicing then. It’s TRUE! It’s really real! Oh Father, I praise You. You are TRUE. You are really real. I am so glad to be Your child.