No Jesus, No Peace

I know. The title today is part of a popular bumper sticker. The full version says:

"No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.

It's clever.

It's also one of the most truest statements you'll ever read.

The gist of what I preached on yesterday bears repeating.

I asked a couple of questions in my message, but the major one was "where is all this peace Jesus was supposed to bring to earth?" I mean, He IS the "Prince of Peace", is He not?

A simple reading of a verse from Luke and the popular Christmas Story should solve it.

Let's look at the King James Version first.

Luke 2:14 (KJV) - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Next is the Amplified Version.

Luke 2:14 (AMP) - Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].

Let's try the ESV.

Luke 2:14 (ESV)  - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The KJV has provided the Christmas card sentiments for decades. It doesn't ptovide the full meaning. It has leas the world, even believers, to think that a blanket of peace was going to come and envelop the world, and all the wars would cease, all the anger, all the harsh jealousies would melt away because of a Prince of Peace being born 2,000 years ago.

Well, here we are. I don't know about you, but in my community 28 people perished in a wanton act of violence.

Not the poster for good will toward men. Or women. Or children.

So...where is it? This "preace and good will", I mean.

It's here. You just have to read the full truth of what the angels actually said and meant.

They never said it was a blanket peace. A rampant round of backslapping good will meant for all of the world for century upon century. If it was, than we never would have had to have the Prince of Peace become the Lamb of God. The cute Baby in the stable would never have to become the bruised and battered Savior on the cross.

Now, go back and read the AMP version, and the ESV. Contained within is the proper rendition from the original languages.

There is peace on earth alright. Good will toward men too. It's given to those whom "God is pleased" with.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh...

Makes sense now, doesn't it?

For me, I have that peace. I have that good will toward others. Even in the midst of horror, war, and tragedy. So do you if God is pleased with you, which comes only when we accept the bruised and battered Lamb of God.

It has to be that way. Jesus was born and died for it to be that way. The angels testified to it. Two years after Jesus was bron there was a slaughter of innocents when Herod killed all the babies two and and under to try to get Jesus.

How's your Christmas so far? Rattled and shaken by local and world events? Can't sleep? On meds? A nervous wreck? Life ain't going as YOU planned it would?

Or are you at PERFECT PEACE that only comes when you can lay your head down on your pillow at night and KNOW that God is pleased with you?

Opt for the latter. I've been on both sides. I like sleeping soundly with a clear soul and spirit.

You will too.

Be at peace in the name of Jesus.

No Jesus, No Peace.

KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE!

Merry Christmas!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

www.reallifect.com