Thursday, June 11
The Peace of Christ
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!
Romans 10:15b
Many churches use signs in front of their building that offer a pithy word of encouragement to passers-by—things like, “You can reach God by knee-mail,” and, “A family altar can alter a family.” One that appears often is, “No Christ, no peace. Know Christ, know peace.”
Ever since the prophet Isaiah referred to the coming Messiah as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus and His Gospel have been associated with peace. The angels who announced His birth spoke of it in terms of Jesus’ effect on the world: “And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) Even though Jesus’ Gospel of peace would have a dividing effect in the world (Matthew 10:34), its ultimate impact would be to provide a way for men and women to have peace with God and peace with one another. Therefore, those who spread the Gospel of peace would become known as peacemakers, being blessed and called “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
One can’t spread what he doesn’t possess. If you are to be a peacemaker, a channel for the Gospel of peace, you must have “the peace of God . . . through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:7).
I hear the words of love, I gaze upon the blood, I see the mighty sacrifice, and I have peace with God.
Horatius Bonar
Read-Thru-the-Bible
Psalms 46:1 - 50:23
