Peace
 
Peace Advent: Bethlehem “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:14 ESV By Pastor Dan Kennedy © December 9, 2012 www.pastorkennedy.com What is Peace? • Is Peace a cessation of war? • Is Peace a beautiful day driving your family through majestic mountains or leisurely paddling a canoe on a crystal clear lake? • Is Peace hobnobbing with family and friends around a great meal or purposeful occasion? • Is Peace curling up and reading a good book on a cold and snowy day? Peace might be any number of things, depending on who you are, or whom you are talking to. Today, since we are focusing mainly on Christmas and Christ’s birth… • We will begin looking at various explanations of peace from what may have been Joseph and Mary’s perceptions – • Then from general perspectives of peace in our world, • And finally, in regard to the most important peace. 1. Explanations of Peace from what may have been Joseph and Mary’s Perceptions… A. Peace comes when there is an understanding and acceptance of what God is doing – even when others may misunderstand or mistreat you! I believe Mary and Joseph had to go well beyond “human peace” in their hearts when they endured the turmoil and constant gossip regarding the “illegitimate” pregnancy in the small town of Nazareth. They were both brought to rely on God for only His vindication. Most certainly there were folks in their town that never accepted Mary and Joseph’s explanation about her pre-marriage pregnancy – and thus never accepted them personally. That is one reason why Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth, when her pregnancy began to show. Listen to what Mary sings in her song, when she visited her godly cousin Elizabeth. Luke 1:46–55 Mary’s Song when she visited Elizabeth 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. (She did not come from privilege!) From now on all generations will call me blessed, (Mary understood the profoundness of her pregnancy!) 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, (Mary was one who honestly feared God) from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. (Do these references to “proud, rulers and hungry/rich” give us a glimpse into those who despised “poor” Mary in her small town once they discovered she was pregnant out of wedlock…and the Father was unknown? What disgrace and pain Mary had to endure throughout this pregnancy!) 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Peace in misunderstanding and disgrace. Rest in God. B. Peace comes when you look back on a time of turmoil and know that God has carried you through! “All is calm all is bright?”…. The Christmas Carol “Silent Night” gives us a breath of peace that most likely only rose at the conclusion of a hectic, tumultuous journey. a. The Frantic Search. Joseph was frantically searching for a place to stay with his beloved, imminently expectant wife…and nowhere to go. We can sit back in our armchairs today and say, “What is your problem Joseph? Don’t you know God is going to provide a birth place for His own Son!!” I don’t believe Joseph thought things were “all is calm, all is bright” as he rushed and struggled through that traumatic first Christmas night! b. The Only Place. What both Joseph or Mary did not know was that God was pressing them to find the exact place and all the hospitality doors were firmly shut in Bethlehem, the town in which Jesus was to be born. Interestingly, the only “open door” Joseph found was a sheep barn and a manger filled with hay. It is here, Jesus would be a human replica of “the Lamb of God” from the very first moment of His entry into the world. It is also interesting that, to our knowledge, God never told Joseph and Mary that the only “door” He was going to open for them would be a stable – but God, very specifically, told the Shepherds the details that would lead them directly to Christ, “wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” God allowed Joseph and Mary to go through their own journey of faith – crying out to God as they went through this harrowing time of crisis in childbirth, and finding the only place available for this precious birth…all the while protecting and keeping them for His unique purpose for the birth of His Son, and an example of faith for us all for generations to come! …And the reward for Joseph and Mary’s continuing perseverance of faith will be theirs for eternity. In our journey of faith, have we seen God shut every seemingly logical door, only to open what, at the time, was not a reasonable option at all – only to reveal to us later that this unlikely option was the best option after all? c. The Birthing Room. The pain of childbirth was not “all is calm, all is bright” for Mary! Any new mother can attest to that! It might have been “all is calm and all is bright” after Jesus was born and He was cradled cozily in Mary’s arms…but experiencing the trauma of birthing your first child with most likely no one but inexperienced Joseph to help, and cleaning the residue of birth and placenta off her newborn Son in a smelly, dirty, unfamiliar, mid-eastern barn… and laying Him on a bed of hay was probably not Mary’s definition of an “all is calm, all is bright” night! God knew she could handle His birth, life and death, so she was the one whom God chose, but it wasn’t what anyone who went through it, would call a “silent”, peaceful night! d. The Curious Shepherds. I wonder of the peacefulness of the evening when later Joseph and Mary finally settled down to try and get some sleep, after the Baby was born, and shepherds from the hillsides began poking their heads in the cave-barn. “Excuse me men, could you stay outside? My wife just had a baby…could you give us some privacy?” “Oh, an angel appeared to you – you were scared to death when you saw God’s awesome Glory all around you, and this mighty angel told you that Christ, the Savior and Lord was born tonight, here in the City of David…Bethlehem…and that a sign to you would be that He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger…so you came here to this stable and found Mary and I…with our Baby wrapped up in strips of cloth and lying in the only thing we could make a cradle of for our Newborn…something we were a little embarrassed about when you looked in on us…in a manger – but, really, that was the ‘sign’ God’s angel gave you, which confirmed to you that our Baby was the newborn Savior and prophesied Messiah of the world? Amazing!” “And a host of angels then filled the sky shouting, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased’? That…is… AMAZING!” “We can understand this…because an angel appeared to us too, before the baby was conceived, telling us that Mary was going to bear the Son of God! It scared us too, back then, but nothing surprises us any more! This is a very special Baby!” “You all are still trembling with fright!” “Sure, O.K., come on in! Come look at the Baby in the manger! We aren’t embarrassed any more!” e. The Assurance of Heart. Only the assurance of God’s Word to Mary and Joseph’s heart (from the angel), brought “all is calm, all is bright” when they were in the middle of a very uncertain night at the birth of Jesus. The Security and Confidence of Peace is evidenced as we realize God’s Hand protecting and guiding us during anxious times: “Peace in the Midst of a Storm” “God was there…and He took care of us!” The explanation of “Peace in the midst of a storm” is profoundly sensed when we have relied on God’s Word in the depth our inner soul and spirit. There are also varying degrees of “peace” in the world today. Let’s look at three concepts of peace between those who may show hostility toward each other. 2. Explanations of Peace from General Perspectives… Peace comes when disagreeing or hostile nations, tribes, families or individuals stop fighting. A. The Technical Peace Treaty: When two disagreeing or warring entities find a way to technically resolve aggressive war to keep from attacking and destroying each other. B. The “Arm’s length” Peace Agreement: When two disagreeing or warring parties find a way to let each other survive and exist within their own respective boundaries, but neither pursue the desire for a healthier relationship with each other. C. A Growing Peace Reconciliation: When at least one of the disagreeing parties find a way to begin and build a forgiving, respectful and even growing relationship with another antagonistic entity – toward maturing levels of graciousness, justice, honesty, trust, love and unity together. 3. Explanations of Peace in Regard to the Most Important Peace… Mankind’s Need of Reconciliation and Peace with God! Whether we want to realize it or not, all of mankind has an insatiable desire to be at Peace with God! Unfortunately we want peace without obedience to God and sacrificing our rebellious ways. God created us, but our Relationship is broken and corrupted by sin. We act like a rebellious child going against everything we have been taught by our parents because we want our own way! Rebellion in our life will not bring us into a peaceful and united relationship with God. Seeking Peace with God The Peace Offering to the Lord – an Old Testament (O.T.) picture of reconciliation for those seeking Peace with God, to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, in the fullness of time In addition to the “Sin Offering” and “Thanksgiving Offering”, there was the O.T. Peace Offering. A blood sacrifice at the Tabernacle or Temple, of an unblemished animal from the herd or flock. Leviticus 22:21 – Without Blemish 21 When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship (peace) offering to the Lord to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable. Leviticus 9:18 – A Blood Sacrifice 18 He slaughtered the ox and the ram as the fellowship (peace) offering for the people. His sons handed him the blood, and he sprinkled it against the altar on all sides. 1 Kings 8:63 – An amazing offering at the dedication of the Jewish Temple 63 Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship (peace) offerings to the Lord: 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the Lord. Peace with God through the Lamb of God – God’s Peace Offering on Our Behalf. Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the Lamb of God offered for the sin of the world. Isaiah 53:5–6 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Romans 5:1 5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:14–17 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. John 14:27 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. Philippians 4:6–9 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Conclusion Today we have discussed Peace. Peace in the lives of Joseph and Mary, and peace in the lives of those whom Jesus has called to be in His Eternal Family. As we seek to live a life honorable before God, may our life reflect a life pleasing to Him…a life of peace. Peace with God and peace with others. Romans 5:1 5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 12:18 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 1 Peter 3:8–12 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, (repeated from Psalm 34:12-16) “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Joseph and Mary found peace in frantic and uncertain times, so can we! When we have disagreements and war in this world we should try to work through various levels of peace. In our relationship with God we are to find our most important peace through the Blood of the Lamb of God. In our daily lives, we should seek peace with those around us! ~~~~~~~ Selected Scriptural Addendum on Peace The Bible is filled with Scriptural passages about peace Jesus’ Normal Greeting:  “Peace be with you!” John 20:19 disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” John 20:26 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Luke 8:48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 10:5-6 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Numbers 6:24–26 24 “ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ Ps 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Isa 9:6-7 He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice… Isa 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isa 57:21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” Isa 59:8 The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. Ps 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Ps 29:11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Ps 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Ps 35:20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. Ps 37:37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. Ps 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Prov 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. Prov 16:7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God… Jer 8:11 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. Jer 8:15 We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. Jeremiah 9:8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him. Matthew 10:32–34 32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Luke 12:45–51 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Mark 9:49–50 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Luke 19:37–38 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts 10:36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)…. Rom 3:17, 23 (see v. 10-23) …and the way of peace they have not known.” 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Rom 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rom 15:33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Rom 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Cor 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:15 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 1 Cor 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints…. 2 Cor 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 13:11 Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 5:22–23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:3 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 6:13–18 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Colossians 1:19–20 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 3:14–15 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thess 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 2 Tim 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Tim 2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Philemon 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:10–14 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 13:20–21 20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 2 Peter 1:2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 3:13–14 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 John 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 3 John 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. Jude 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Revelation 1:4 4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne…. http://www.pastorkennedy.comshapeimage_2_link_0