This is famously, and melodiously reaffirmed in the Messiah. “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.” But at this time of year, we are bound to encounter a skeptic who points out that there is not now, nor ever been, “peace on earth.” A quick internet search finds much dispute as to whether there has been continuous war, and usually comes down to the definition of war. You might say that there is a verbal war over whether there has been war. But I digress.
The point is that the promise of “peace on earth” seems to have not been accomplished. Let’s examine that in light of Scripture. (Always a good measure to define debate.) Isaiah 9:6 gives us a background for this concept. This is a prophesy of the Messiah.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
This Son, (the Seed from Genesis 3:15, by the way) will be born and His functions are outlined. He will eventually rule the world and have wonderful names, including Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Notice that this Son will be God, incarnate. The Trinity suffuses the entire Scripture, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. The Messiah is God. (Eternal Father is found in Daniel 7:13 as Ancient of Days.)
For our consideration, the Prince of Peace guides us back to the “peace on earth” promise given by the angels to the shepherds. To understand this, we can lean on prophesy, and proclaim that, although it has not yet been realized, it will be when Jesus reigns in the Millennium. But for those poor shepherds and all of those to follow, we have a hopeful future, but not much present consolation.
In fact, Jesus seemed to discourage this in Matthew 10:34 (and Luke 12:51):
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
So the prospect of peace on earth between all of the different creeds, and cultures, and convictions seems to be minimal, and quite possibly impossible. So were the angels mistaken or deliberately misleading?
How often are our conundrums a consequence of our mistaken understanding or perception, rather than errors in fact? This is probably such a case. If we, like the first century Jewish leaders, expect the Messiah to immediately impose a “non-aggression” society on the world, we will be harshly rebuked by the current events–from then until now. Even the “Pax-Romana” or peace of Rome was not really peaceful, but was simply marked by lack of effective resistence.
Our mistaken perception is about the mission of Jesus, the Messiah. It was not to BRING peace on earth, but to BE peace on earth. When He came, Jesus was the embodiment of peace on earth. This is quite stunning when we place it in perspective of His times.
Immediately after His birth, the shepherds recognized Him, and worshiped Him. The two elderly people who met Him in the Temple at His circumcision and dedication also recognized and worshiped. The Wise men, likewise, saw, and worshiped. Herod, on the other hand totally missed it. In fact a second Herod (Luke 23) had a chance to meet Him on the Thursday night and blew it.
Pilate, the “searcher for truth,” (What is truth? John 18:38) stared “Truth” in the face and did not recognize it. Peace also eluded him. (The old saying that you wouldn’t know XXX if it bit you in the “rear end,” seems to perhaps have originated with Pilate. Or it could have.)
The search for peace on earth often seems a futile effort. An old folk song, from 1955, says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” That is a great interpretation of what Jesus came to do. We each have a role to play, and peace will “be” on earth when we are at peace. And, now, through the Holy Spirit, He is BEING peace through us.
The ultimate promise of peace on earth is not a “far in the future” hope, but a present, real condition where ever His followers are found. “Joy to the World,” has the words, “far as the curse is found.” And it can be combated. (V. 3) “He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found.” The “blessings” seem to be embodied in peace that we transmit to the world.
And how can we realize peace in our own lives? Again, let’s turn to an old hymn.
Though the angry surges roll On my tempest-driven soul, I am peaceful, for I know, Wildly though the winds may blow, I’ve an anchor safe and sure, That can evermore endure.
Refrain: And it holds, my anchor holds: Blow your wildest, then, O gale, On my bark so small
and frail; By His grace I shall not fail, For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
The rest of the lyrics* are in a link below. When we are anchored in Jesus, nothing can move us or, as the verse says, “I am peaceful....” Peace on earth is possible. It is available. It must be appropriated. Choose Jesus.
We have covered a lot of music and Scripture. The New Year gives us another opportunity to share that with those we meet. “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.”
Amen.
Selected lyrics for Handel’s Messiah.
https://www.thoughtco.com/lyrics-and-excerpts-of-handels-messiah-723774
* http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/My_Anchor_Holds/
* https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=my+anchor+holds+lyrics&view=detail&mid=965BC797E180E0FCF94B965BC797E180E0FCF94B&FORM=VIRE
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