“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).
It is called peace with God. It does not depend and measure by our feeling. It is not brought about by our surrounding. It depends purely on the word and work of the Sovereign God. It is not achieved by the will and effort of man. This kind of peace is achieved, like genuine faith, by God’s grace. It is granted by the Sovereign God.
While there is this positional condition of having peace with God, there is also the peace of God, which is progressive. Peace with God does not fluctuate. Peace of God varies; it grows or weakens. We can consider peace with God as the root and peace of God as the fruit.
We cannot have peace of God without peace with God. We cannot have peace with God without Christ, who reconciles us to God.
And the Sovereign God will grant us this peace with Him, if we please Him -- that is, we have faith in Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God, if we trust in His words, or we rely on His promises.
So, are you enjoying this peace that comes from the Sovereign God? Do you rejoice in God, because of the peace with Him?
If you are recipient of genuine faith, you have this peace of God, whether you feel it or not. You have this peace whether you ask for it or not. As believers, do you realize that you have it?
Recently, we have a new internet service. It has 5G connectivity, meaning better performance. If your gadget has 5G wifi, it can also avail of its benefit. Though our cellphone have 5G wifi, our TV does not have. It operates only at 2.4G. So, it’s very slow in loading. Before, my tablet was also only operating at 2.4 G. Lately, however, I happened to examine it closely. Unlike our TV, my tablet could be adjusted to different function in wifi. How happy I was to find out that it has 5G connectivity! Just think I was contented that it was performing poorly. I thought it was just like the TV with 2.4G wifi. Without being aware of it, it has 5G capability. It can perform with better speed.
Believers or lovers of Christ, whether we feel it or not, the blessing of peace with God is in us. But, do we acknowledge that we have it? And do we really see its value? How much do we value it?
Before we became believers, all of us were born with a very serious problem. God regarded us as His enemies, because of our sins through Adam. His holy wrath was upon us. We were in rebellion against Him. So each one of us deserves to be thrown into hell and to suffer for eternity. But in God’s grace, He did not allow us to suffer His wrath eternally. He sent Christ to suffer and absorb His wrath for us, so He could reconcile us to Himself or enjoy the peace with God.
Do you have, then, an idea of the supreme value of having the peace with God? According to the Bible, there is no peace for the wicked. The unbelievers do not have the peace with God. Realize that peace is more valuable than all the gifts you could desire or receive this season.
If we realize, then, its value, what should be our response?
First, like the angels, glorify God in the highest. Our peace with God should not stop on us. It should rise upward in praise. It should include a God-centered gratitude, and acknowledgement of His paramount initiative, not our achievement.
Second, it should soften our heart in humility. As we see the great height of God’s Sovereign grace, we need to bow down without any trace of entitlement.
Third, our obedience should be motivated by love. Since we are now reconciled to the King, we have already, not only willing but also loving submission to His rule.
Fourth, be peacemakers toward others. The Bible tells us, “As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:8). It does not mean we avoid conflict at all costs. It means it refuses bitterness. Seeks restoration rather than revenge. Taking initiative when relationships are broken. Praying for those who offend us. And we proclaim the good news to others. We do not manufacture peace, we proclaim the peace already accomplished. We broadcast the Prince of peace.
And fifth, experience the peace of God. Though every person on earth shall hate us, though the whole world is against us, though various problems trouble us, the peace of God which passes all understanding can still blossom in our heart. We can experience this peace of God by regular communion with God by prayer, feeding our soul with His Word, and abstaining from the ways of this world.
As recipient and as we value the peace with God, we need to glorify the Most Holy One, soften our heart in humility, be motivated by love in our obedience, be peacemakers toward others, and experience the peace of God even in suffering.
CONCLUSION:
Before we end, listen to these words of Jesus, the Prince of peace:
“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).
The true disciples had already the peace with God. But as Jesus would about to leave, He wanted them to have the peace of God -- to experience peace -- His peace. So, though they would suffer trouble in the world, in their heart they would have the blessing of peace.
Today, as recipient of the grace of faith in Christ, we can celebrate now for the blessing of peace with God. We are saved from God's wrath. And no matter what trouble will happen in this world, the peace of God can blossom in our heart.
