Advent: Peace
12.20.2020
12.20.2020
Isaiah 9:1-7
As 2020 draws to a close, many find themselves overwhelmed by personal fears, frustrations, loss, grief, political and social unrest, and the fallout of a global pandemic. When will our troubles end? When will there be peace? This Advent, Jason Bradshaw calls the Church to fix our gaze on Christ, the Prince of Peace, as we celebrate His first coming and early long for His Second Coming.
Point #1: What is peace? Peace is an untroubled heart that comes from trusting God.
The Old Testament captures the biblical concept of peace through the Hebrew term, “shalom,” which Jason defines as “completeness, wholeness, something functioning as it should”. Sin disrupts shalom between God and man, as well as in fallen humanity’s relationships with one another. Restoration and return to shalom is only possible through trusting God, His provision, and His promised Son – Jesus Christ, the Price of Peace.
Point #2: How do we find peace? We find peace through faith in Jesus Christ.
The world offers an endless assortment of self-help strategies and techniques that promise peace, but ultimately underdeliver. The scriptures repeatedly reveal the triune God as the only trustworthy source of true peace. Amidst our trials, peace is possible as we pursue God and follow Him by faith.
Point #3: How do we live with peace? We can live with peace as we set our minds on things above.
In a world without shalom, we will face troubles outside of our control. To multiply our sorrows, we often bring troubles upon ourselves as we seek a false peace apart from Christ. Instead of letting our eyes and hearts be blinded by our burdens, we must fix our eyes on our Savior – the sole source of true peace.
Application