Luke 2:10-14; Isaiah 9:1-6
December 5, 2020 Sermon Review
Introduction
Recently I read about a counselor who was having a session with a couple that was experiencing some very challenging and difficult issues in their marriage. When asked by the counselor what each of them wanted more than anything, invariably their response was the same, “We simply want peace!” And when asked to describe what that peace would look like, the husband said, peace to me is when my wife and I don’t fight. And when asked the same question the wife responded by saying that peace to her was feeling secure in her relationship. The dictionary defines peace as freedom from disturbance or tranquility. And from the beginning humankind has been in an ever-relentless pursuit of this thing called peace. We have sought it through the formulation of peace treaties and peace accords, and as strange as it might sound, we have even sought peace through the instrument of war. But if we are going to be honest, we have to admit that despite our sincere and valiant efforts, it appears as though peace is something that continues to elude us at every turn, which makes us wonder if we will ever truly find it. Today we seek to find the answer to this conundrum in God’s word, in our message titled, “The Pursuit of Peace.”
- Throughout the Old Testament the idea of peace is one that embodies the presence of God in the lives of his people as well as the promise that God placed in their hearts that with the advent of the Messiah, peace would be available not merely to some but to all who would receive it. Numbers 6:22-26; Psalms 199:162-165; 85:1-8; Isaiah 53:1-5
- Scripture is clear that with the birth of Jesus, began a new era in humankind’s relationship with God that among other things, would bring with it a declaration of peace. But despite what many might believe, the peace that was ushered in by the first Advent was not a promise of freedom from the many disturbances that have become common to humankind’s existence, but it is the promise of a peace between the Creator and his creation. Luke 2:10-14; John 14:25-27; Matthew 10:32-36; 8:23-27; Philippians 4:6, 7
Conclusion
Although many are in pursuit of a type of peace that is craved as a result of being a part of this troubled world in which we live, sadly, in this life, it will never fully be achieved. But as believers, God is prepared in the here and now to grant us a down payment of the peace that is to come by planting the seeds for it not in the world, but in our hearts.
Question for Reflection
Can you remember a time in your life when despite the turmoil that swirled all around you, but because of your faith in God and his promises that you were able to experience a peace, “which surpasses all understanding?”
Quotes of the Week
“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” – Thomas Watson
“Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God. Peace is the consequence of forgiveness, God’s removal of that which obscures His face and so breaks union with Him.” – Charles H. Brent
“No one can have the peace of God until they are at peace with God.” – Jack Wellman