The Prince's Peace Right Now

Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest.  9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 
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Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
 
PEACE is difficult to find, isn’t it? Far too many things in our world upset us. When one issue seems solved, another appears. How many times have you said, “All I want is some peace and quiet?” The picture he gives to us from Isaiah’s beautiful view of the new heaven and earth is a great encouragement for our future with Jesus. And the angels’ announcement, “On earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” at Jesus’ birth is a wonderful blessing.
   Yes, God promises peace in eternity. And even more! He wants you to have that peace and quiet in your soul now. At Jesus’ birth, God activated his peace promise into mankind’s restless heart. His ancient promise from the prophet and his historic announcement from the angels are a launching point for the Savior’s work to soothe your restless heart.
   To confess Jesus as Lord is to know he has gone through the deep conflict of humiliation, separation and crucifixion, to pour God’s peace over all who believe. He knows with real human experiences how disturbing life is in a sin-conflicted world. That’s why as Jesus prepared to leave his disciples, he wanted them to absolutely know, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” He may even emphasized, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) And when he met his disciples the night of his resurrection, he said, “Peace be with you!” And note: After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  (John 20:)
   Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” And then he showed his nail-pierced hands! Jesus sent them on a mission that caused nearly each of them to suffer physically and emotionally. Many died terrible deaths for his sake. Their lives would have great turmoil.
   But amid their turmoil the disciples would know, “Jesus has given me his peace.”
   Are you unsettled, too much worry and discontent in your heart. Then look to Jesus. He is there with his peace because he is Savior of the world. When you are full of the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord, you are full of Jesus. He has come to you full of grace and truth to make you his own. Yes, his peace and quiet is for you right now.