I was blessed to grow up in a home where arguments were rare, apart from the usual petty family squabbles. I took this for granted until I found out some of my friends came from broken homes, with one parent competing against the other and using their children as battering rams.
At this time of year, much is said about peace. We sing about the angels’ message of peace on earth and goodwill to men, yet news headlines constantly bombard us with messages of war and hatred until we wonder, will peace ever truly come?
When the elderly priest Zechariah held his infant son John for the first time, he sang with joy because only a miracle from heaven had enabled his wife Elizabeth to conceive. He prophesied that John’s life and ministry would point people towards another, more important person. With hindsight, we know that person was Jesus. Zechariah said Jesus would give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and guide us to the path of peace. (Luke 1:79 NLT)
There is only one path to true and lasting peace, and it leads us straight to our Saviour. John the Baptist was a signpost, showing the people of his day the right way to go. Now, we are called to take up his mantle and lead others to Jesus. Our message is one of light and life. In a world where there is no peace, we can point others to the Prince of Peace.
True and lasting peace won’t come until Jesus returns, but until then, we can find peace in knowing him, and in trusting that our lives are safe in his hands. That doesn’t mean we won’t face trials. However, nothing takes Jesus by surprise, so whatever we go through, he has promised never to leave or forsake us.
Prayer.
Thank you, Lord, that you are the Prince of Peace. Thank you that in all the turmoil and chaos, we can come to you and experience a peace that goes beyond understanding.
Song: Path of peace by Sarah Tummey.
Scriptures to Ponder.
John 14: 27: ““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Psalm 4: 8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”