Devotions with Holly Woodbridge

WHO IS PEACE?  A Pondering by Holly Woodbridge

Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, AND ON EARTH PEACE TO THOSE ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.”

Who had just made his entrance? Jesus. As a wee babe, he had entered our world. Peace had arrived.

Were God’s people still under Roman rule? Yes. Were taxes ridiculous? Yes. Was every day a hard day? Yes.

So, how can we say Peace on Earth? Because of Who had come. Peace is not about circumstance. It is about relationship. It is about a PERSON.

Fast forward a few years to the last hours of Jesus time on earth. Jesus has just washed the disciples’ feet in the upper room and is now pouring in all the last minute truth he can before he journeys to the cross. He is wanting to give them assurance that although he was leaving, they would not be alone. Hmmm. He is leaving and yet they will not be alone.

John 14:23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU; MY PEACE I GIVE YOU. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The nation of Israel is still under Roman rule. Taxes are still high. Days are still hard. And their leader will soon head to his death. And He says, “Peace I leave you.” Why? Because the Father is sending the Holy Spirit. Peace is a who, and Peace can be ours on the hardest days and the best days because HE IS OUR PEACE.

Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.

So if you are looking for peace today- Look for HIM!