Jesus, the Bringer of Peace and the Receiver of Glory
As I was reading in my Bible last night, I decided to review the birth narrative of Jesus in Luke 2. I found myself transfixed on the words of the angel to the shepherds tending their flocks in verses 10-12 which states, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” The significance of this statement should not allude us. When we read stories we are familiar with, we have a tendency to rush through them. Rushing through the text causes us to miss much of the beauty of God’s word and the blessing God has for us in his word.
The titles of the person born is what caught my attention. The angel declares that this one who was born is a “Savior,” “Messiah,” and “the Lord.” The word Savior means “deliverer and preserver.” The word Messiah means “anointed one” and is often translated “Christ.” The word Lord means “master, ruler, or one who has power supreme”. Think about this with me and I mean really think. God did not simply send a baby to be born of a virgin. The person sent to humanity is the Deliverer, the Preserver, the anointed Messiah, the master who rules supreme; and this is good news “for all the people.”
With everything going on in the world right now it is proper, right, and correct to remember and celebrate this great gospel news-that our Savior, anointed Messiah, and great Ruler came to earth to save. What joy this brings to our world!
Instead of arguing, fighting, and viewing one another as the enemy, let us recognize a great gospel truth. We are all sinners in need of a Savior, and Jesus, the Savior, is for ALL people. There is not a person born he did not come to redeem. Our redemption is secured in Christ through faith in him, and he is able to preserve our salvation for eternity.
To this wonderful news let us respond in the most appropriate way. May we join with all the armies of heaven and declare,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!”(v.16)
As I close, I want to offer three observations from the response of the angels in verse 16 that can guide us this Christmas season.
- As our lips declare the glory of Jesus, may the culmination of our lives do the same.
- Peace on earth will only come through Jesus. There is no other means by which peace between men will be achieved. Men can only have peace with one another when they have peace with God.
- May we declare the peace and glory of Christ to others as it has been declared to us.
May the Lord grant you peace in Christ this season.
Blessings,
Bro. Brad