God’s plan
This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Acts 10:36 NLT
From the beginning, the message was clear. God sent His Son to guide us to the path of peace!
Because of God’s tender mercy,
Luke 1:78-79 NLT
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Even at His birth, the angels announced the coming of peace …
“Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.”
Luke 2:14 EXB
Jesus’ sorrow
But Israel had missed the message. And because they did not hear, did not see, did not recognize Jesus for who He was, the mystery of this truth, peace, was hidden from them. And this broke Jesus’ heart!
As He entered Jerusalem in the last week of His life, Jesus wept over the city.
But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
Luke 19:41-42 NLT
Our warning
With my limited imagination, I can’t comprehend the pain Jesus must have felt as he approached Jerusalem — I can only guess. God had been preparing a people for himself. Over and over again they wandered off, disobeyed, and turned their backs on His covenant.
Now Jesus looks at Jerusalem with such sadness. They are rejecting their Messiah; rejecting the Prince of Peace — rejecting the very light God called them to proclaim to the nations.
I know their lack of understanding caused him grief and I can’t help but be reminded that my lack of understanding also grieves him.
My Prayer
Dear Jesus, there is little peace on earth. War rages on. Physical wars like that between Ukraine and Russia, culture wars like the one in our own country, spiritual wars – Satan would sift us all like wheat. Pour out your peace among us, Lord, Open our eyes to the mystery that is Your peace. May we trust in the work of the Lord Jesus completely.
You alone, Lord, our refuge, our place of safety. We praise you for You are our God. Thank You for enfolding us in Your arms, Your faithful promises are our armor and protection. Our faith may be weak, yet we do trust in You.
I confess that I often stray from the path of peace you have prepared for me. I am grateful for your compassion, your constant care that leads me and nudges me back to that path. Today, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; uncover my sin, anxiety, or waywardness. Lead me always in your everlasting way— directing and guiding my feet, straightening my path, Your way of peace. Amen.
