Peace From The Sovereign God

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14, ESV.)

Am really so glad and grateful that my “delight” -- my wife -- purchased for me the giant print ESV Bible. I was looking for it for a long time, even in on line sale, but it was not available. So, when I received the copy from her, I was really so thankful.

But there was something that I received later that I was greatly grateful. I received an assignment from the Senior Pastor. I was informed that I would be the one to share God’s Word this afternoon.

People of this world may also receive favor this time. Perhaps, solution to their problem, more profit in their business, an opportunity to travel, or recognition, extra bonus, etc. Unfortunately, some may receive something unfavorable. For instance, a corrupt politician may receive arrest warrant! A student my receive a failing mark.

In your case, what did you receive from God this season? Did He give you a trial? Or, did He bless you with material favor, or healing, or opportunity, or comfort, or inner joy?

True believers, though they fail to receive financial or whatever physical favor, they actually received something they can greatly thank God for, especially the spiritual commodity called, peace.

So, this time, let’s explore our topic, PEACE FROM THE SOVEREIGN GOD, while we study our text (Luke 2:13-14).

How can we have the peace that comes from God?

Our text occurs on the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Shepherds were watching their flocks when an angel of the Lord appeared. He announced the birth of a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:8-11). Immediately after this announcement, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared. They were praising God. In their song of praise, which is part of our text, we also grasp how peace from God can be experienced by us.

So, how can we have the peace from God? Actually, it’s by grace alone, but we can have it, if we…

HAVE FAITH IN THE BIBLICAL JESUS (Luke 2:14).

We read verse Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

It was obvious in the verse that Glory goes on high, while peace goes on earth. Glory to God. Peace on the people. But peace does not go on every person on earth. It was not for every person.

In this verse, it is qualified who are the people who would have peace. But, it was not clearly defined in verse 10. In that verse, the angel proclaimed, “… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” In one Bible commentary, the “people,” is referred to the Jewish people. Or, we could also refer to those who believed that a Savior is coming. One thing is sure: not every person is joyful for the news. Herod was not joyful, he was troubled (Matt. 2:3).

But, in our present text, it’s clear that peace is not for every person on earth. It says that peace is for those with whom God is pleased. The King James does not translate it that way. But the word for word translation of ESV, it is stated: “… peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

In the NLT, it says: “peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” We read in the NIV, “peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In NASB, “peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

Who are then these people whom God is pleased? It is not enough we are on earth to have peace from God. We need that God is pleased with us. In order to have this kind of peace, we need first to know if we are pleasing God. Is it possible to please the Holy Perfect God?

Remember the opening words of Hebrews 11:6? It says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him…” So to please God, we need to have faith. Faith in the Biblical Jesus.

Again, peace is not for everyone. It is for those with whom God is pleased. Peace is for those who have faith -- for the true believers.

What do you mean by peace here? Ordinarily, we understand it the absence of war. There is calmness. But, in our text, it is more than that the world gives. It’s restoration of relationship. It means there is reconciliation -- there is ending of hostility between God and man. We could also think of Jesus Himself as the Prince of Peace. In the Bible, we read: “More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:11).