"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."
Luke 2:13-14
Part 2
Yesterday: Praising the newborn King!
“And suddenly there was with the angel.”
The angel, no longer alone, led in the praise.
“A multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying.”
God’s army was there for His praise that night!
“Glory to God in the highest.”
He is eternally worthy of all our praise!
Today: Peace and Goodwill
“And on earth peace.”
The second line of the Heavenly Host’s message is one of peace.
This army tells the world of peace! The Christ-child will bring peace that this world had not known of before He came. Isaiah, the prophet, told us that He will bring us peace.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
The Romans, through their military might, enforced “the peace” externally between people and nations. They called it the Pax Romana, and it lasted for a few hundred years. As long as Rome had might enough, they could enforce the peace. Jesus’ in the millennium will enforce an external peace. He will rule with a “rod of iron!” But His peace is so much more. He will bring peace to the hearts and minds of His children!
“The Angels sang indeed of such an ultimate Peace; but also of ‘the peace which passeth understanding;’ of that peace whereof Christ said, ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you.’”[1] (John 14:27)
Jesus’ atonement will bring peace by reconciling the world to God. And His redemption for sinners brings them into a state of peace with God.
“Even the pagans of the first-century world sensed this need for peace and a savior. Epictetus, a first-century pagan writer, expressed this: ‘While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy; he cannot give peace of heart, for which man yearns for more than even outward peace.’”[2]
“Goodwill toward men.”
Who will receive this peace? Not everyone, but only those who are “men and women of goodwill.” Those who know Him.
“But it makes perfectly good sense and better sense. As a matter of fact, real peace on earth exists only among those who are the subjects of God’s goodwill, who are characterized by goodwill toward God and man”[3] (Robertson).
His children, the recipients of His “goodwill,” will have peace on earth. Question: Do you have His peace? If not, why not? It is available to you by salvation in His name. This is one of the many benefits His redemption brings to His child.
Quote: “Notice how, to bring Mary to Bethlehem, the Master of all emperors sets on foot the machinery of providence and history. What can He not do for us and His Church!”[4] (Meyer).
[1] Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
Luke 2:14.
[2] Epictetus’ quote is from Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword. Luke 2:9-14.
[3] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. Luke 2:14.
[4] F.B. Meyer. Through the Bible Day by Day, the electronic version in eSword. Luke 2:1-14.