LifeLink Devotions

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Isaiah 2:1-5 “This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD’S temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.”

When Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, angels appeared to the shepherds and proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” The Prince of Peace had arrived. However, the people to whom he came misinterpreted his call to peace, demanding political and social peace now. But the peace that Jesus came to introduce was far more significant. He came to bring peace with God.

When Jesus talked about peace during His ministry on the earth, it was in a spiritual context. Nowhere does Jesus promise political or social peace without first finding spiritual peace with God. In fact, when speaking directly to His disciples Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Then just moments later He adds, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It was the mission of Jesus to bring us to peace with the Father so that we could be at peace in our hearts while around us the world is at war.

The world today clamors for peace. People believe peace is achievable by their own efforts and resolve. The pursuit of peace becomes the justification for the elimination of enemies. Peace becomes the campaign slogan of political candidates. But Jesus said that without His peace there can be no other peace. The prophet Isaiah knew this truth when he wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Peace of mind through peace with God was the message of Jesus, not peace on earth. Jesus spoke to that specifically when He said, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” What will be the cause of that division? The conflict between the pursuit of peace with man and the attainment of peace with God. And that conflict will continue until Jesus returns and sets the record straight.

The day is coming when Jesus will return and bring peace to the world. That peace will be made possible by the imprisonment of Satan. Sin will be abolished from the earth, and the King will reign in glory from the restored temple on the mountain of the LORD. Jesus will judge between the nations and settle the disputes of people based on His law, not man’s. Then, and only then, will they “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Jesus will bring peace to the world.

Until then, we as His followers are to be peacemakers according to the plan of Jesus. His plan is for us to bring people to Him for peace. Our pursuit of peace on earth is only valid if it is founded on bringing the people of earth to peace with God. Peace will be accomplished in no other way. So come, let us go up to the mountain of our LORD, where He will teach us His ways so we may walk in His paths – the paths of peace.

Pastor John