PEACE ON EARTH

Near the beginning of the Gospel of Luke we read, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” We like the Glory to God and Peace on Earth part and step back a little from the “with whom God is pleased” part.

I think this is because Religion, Politics and Philosophy cannot bring Peace on Earth. It promises and tries… but cannot deliver. The church cannot bring peace on earth and is powerless for the task. Politics are powerless for the task. Religion is powerless for the task. Education and Philosophy are powerless for the task. Media can’t do it.

Only a full experience and transformation by the Holy Spirit can bring peace on earth by bringing peace to us individually. Even so, in the middle of Luke’s gospel we have this verse, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.  For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” So what’s up?

God is pleased with those who love him, worship him, honor him and make him famous. The divisions of peace in households and in relationships are an obvious separation of those who love and follow the Lord and those who don’t. It is common and obvious everywhere. Know peace or no peace: it’s a choice.

“Peace be with you.” Jesus