Peace of God
Scripture Reading — Micah 5:2-5a
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
—1 John 3:8
Many of us have seen or experienced deep pain and losses over the past year: families at gravesides, broken promises, cancer, violence in the streets, world hunger, abuse… Where is the promised peace of God?
Long ago sin, brokenness, and death entered our world through the work of the devil and Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God. But God responded by sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” Through the Prince of Peace God is destroying the work of the devil in this world and in our lives. He is restoring creation and redeeming and renewing his children.
It’s a kingdom battle. On Christmas the battle was engaged. At the cross and through Jesus’ resurrection, the decisive battle was won. When Christ returns, the fullness of God’s kingdom peace will be here. Paradise was destroyed, but God, through Jesus, is at working ushering in a new heaven and earth.
The peace of God rests in the kingdom of God. Are you a child of the King? As a child of God, you can experience peace in this broken world because Jesus has won the victory and made you secure in body and soul, in life and in death. And you can serve the Savior by living in ways that bring healing, wholeness, and peace where there is brokenness.
Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to destroy the devil’s work. Fill us with your peace as we find our security and serve as agents of peace in your kingdom. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Aardsma
Calvin Aardsma has been a pastor for more than thirty years. He has served churches in Indiana, Oregon, and the Chicago area. Currently, he is a pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois. He also serves on the board of the Ugandan Orphanage Relief Fund. Cal and his wife, Sandy, have four children and five grandchildren.
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