Biblical history shows how humanity has chosen its own ways apart from God and suffered as a result. But God wants to be close to humanity, and he knows how painful it is to be separated from him, so he sent Jesus to make peace. Through Jesus, all things can be restored to harmony with God again.
READ
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:19-23
REFLECT
-According to this passage, what did God want to do and how did he accomplish it through Jesus?
-Consider all that Jesus suffered and overcame in order to make a way for humanity to be in God’s holy presence once again. Let your reflections prompt a prayer to express your feelings of awe and gratitude.
Day 12
Day 8 - PEACE video intro
"Peace" is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus. READ 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Day 9
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it describes not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of completion, reconciliation, and justice. READ 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 REFLECT -Consider what you have learned in the Bible so far. Name five habits (thoughts, actions, or words) that you believe are pleasing to God. -How do you think these habits could make peace even between enemies?
Day 10
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future King, who would make a covenant of shalom with his people. His reign would right all wrongs and heal all brokenness. READ 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 REFLECT -What words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage? -Based on this passage, how does the Prince of Peace govern his Kingdom? -How can you help bring about God’s peaceful rule in the places where you have influence? -Pray to ask the Prince of Peace to govern over and through you this week.