Spreading the love of Jesus...the Cowboy Way!

Echoes From the Campfire

“God loves to restore hope in our lives, heal our emotional wounds and give us peace, even during the toughest times.”

--Kenneth Pratt (The Wolves of Windsor Ridge)

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever."

--Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)
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"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." --Luke 2:14 (KJV) Bah, humbug! Where is the promised peace? Look at the world, look at the inhumanity to humanity. Look at the terror, the wars, the pestilence, the disasters, the crime, the racism -- hmpf, where is the peace?
Perhaps you have heard some state that or something similar. Perhaps you have thought the same. The first thing that will help is to look at another translation. The King James is a good translation, but in some places it misses the point or is confusing.
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” (NASB)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!" (HCSB)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)
Not all will have peace. It comes only to those who have a relationship with the heavenly Father. If you've ever been to a symphony and one instrument is out of tune, or one string is broken there is discord. The instruments must all be in tune for harmony--for peace. John Henry Jowett says, "Peace is the outcome of certain relationships, and when those relationships are secured then peace is assured."
A proper relationship is required. Jesus came to bring man back into proper relationship with God. "Peace is to spread everywhere this child is received." (John Piper) Accept Jesus and you will experience the peace He brings. Paul states, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, NASB). Where there is faith, there is peace. True peace, then, is born out of faith in Christ. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah assured us, "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV) God's peace is offered to the world, but only those who accept Jesus receive it. To receive this peace that is offered we must go to Jesus the Peacemaker. He must be the "most glorious Person in your life" (Piper). We read in Ephesians 2:14, "He Himself is our peace...." Therefore, we see that we cannot separate this peace from Christ.
Peace, the real peace that Christ offers, cannot be manufactured. It does not come through global institutions or organizations. Laws, policies, and politics cannot bring the peace that is "to rule in our hearts." (Colossians 3:15) See, peace is not foundational; it is not a root. Peace is the "Fruit of personal rightness with God." (Jowett) Peace can be the absence of conflict and animosity, but it is also the presence of joyful tranquility. (Piper) It is personal; it is an experience and a relationship with Jesus Christ that brings peace.
One more thought, notice the beginning of verse in Luke 2--"Glory to God..." That's where peace begins. When the heart has accepted Christ and we begin to give glory to God then we have true, inner peace, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, NKJV) Jowett states, "If only we would give glory to God in the highest, peace on earth is sure, and goodwill among men is secured."
Let peace rule in your heart, begin now in these early days of the Christmas season. Keep your mind stayed upon Him, for then, and only then will you have peace. Live for Him, let your life bring Him glory. Realize that peace comes only through faith in Jesus and that "Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed." (Psalm 85:10, NKJV)

D.C. Adkisson