Sphere Of Peace!

Consider a comparison of two passages, both of which are recorded in the Gospel of Luke. These mark two different points in our Lord's journey here on earth, with similar words being offered, but from different vantage points.

At the time of our Lord's birth we read. . .
"(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) 'GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE among those with whom he is pleased!'" ( Luke 2:13-14 ESV)

Near the time of our Lord's death on the cross we read. . .
"(37) As he was drawing near -- already on the way down the Mount of Olives --the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, (38) saying, 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! PEACE IN HEAVEN AND GLORY IN THE HIGHEST!'" ( Luke 19:37-38 ESV)

Between these two passages we have words of angels and words of men; words from above and words from earth. The first passage records the words of angels to shepherds while the second passage records the words of people on earth directed toward Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Both the angels and the multitude on these separate occasions -- at the beginning and toward the end of Jesus' time on earth -- offered words of praise to God in stating GLORY "IN THE HIGHEST." Yes, that is the realm of greatest glory that should always be directed toward God. However, though on both occasions we have an expression of PEACE, that PEACE was associated with different spheres. With the angels the declaration was toward PEACE ON EARTH while the declaration of the multitudes was toward PEACE IN HEAVEN.

When Jesus was to come onto life's scene, He was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace." ( Isaiah 9:6) Knowing Jesus should bring us a great sense of peace; a peace also shared among other believers. That is PEACE we can experience ON EARTH. However, as I was drawn to the words of the crowd when Jesus was approaching Jerusalem and noted their words regarding "PEACE IN HEAVEN", I thought of what Jesus was soon to fulfill. Since it is sin that separates us from God and places us under God's wrath (note Romans 2:5), by going to the cross and dying for our sins Jesus paid the price that brings PEACE BETWEEN US AND GOD. We have been delivered from God's wrath. ( Romans 5:9) Therefore, the crucifixion of Jesus in this sense brought PEACE IN HEAVEN by satisfying the justice of God with regard to sin by His death in our place. Because of Jesus there is a sphere of peace that ENCOMPASSES BOTH HEAVEN AND EARTH for those who have accepted and come into a right relationship with Him.

Peace! That is what will always be associated with the fulfilling of God's Will "ON EARTH as it is IN HEAVEN." ( Matthew 6:10) May we remain abiding in that glorious sphere that is for both now and eternity.

Have a great day KNOWING THE PERFECT PEACE CHRIST HAS PROVIDED!
Carl

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