"Therefore,
since we
have been justified by faith,
we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through
Him
we have
also obtained access by faith
into this
grace in which we stand,
and we
rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Rom 5:1-2,
ESV
Good morning, friend, on this 11th morning of Advent!
As I continue pondering the gift of peace this week, I cannot
help thinking of how the relational road on which you and I find ourselves
often turns bumpy and thorny. Without warning, friendships decay and
partnerships fizzle out, leaving us to wonder why and where we have gone wrong.
As it turns out, the discomforting silence and evident
estrangement troubling our hearts first and foremost reflect our relationship
with God. When we are at odds with others, it is truly God’s work of grace
leading our prodigal hearts home to experience Immanuel’s peace.
Indeed, the complete peace of Advent is ours through grace and
grace alone. God understands the barrier or wall that willful sin has erected
between humanity and the holy Creator. He knows the dissatisfaction that
resides in our hearts when living in a state of rebellion. And He also is well
aware of our inability to make things right with Him on our own.
He therefore determined to come . . .
. . . and make things right between us!
Aiming to give us a right standing with the Father, the Coming
One grants special benefits to fallen men and women—blessings that are ours
through faith:
He woos us.
He loves us.
He washes us.
He purifies us.
He justifies us.
He elevates us.
He encourages us.
He strengthens us.
He declares us righteous.
He reconciles us with the Father.
He grants us peace to have and to hold and to enjoy forever.
“Peace, peace, peace –
The gift of Christ is peace.
We walk with God, our past
forgiven.
All in Him is life and heaven.
Peace, peace, peace –
The gift of Christ is peace.”
Words by Ken Bible
Thank You, Holy Lord!
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