I'm on a bit of a We the Kingdom kick right now.. Does anyone else do this? Find a "new" artist and bury themselves in all of this artists music for a couple days? I found this gem of a song on We the Kingdom's newest album, Holy Water. From the first note (I'm just a sucker for the piano), I knew it was going to be one of my favorites. While this is not a Christmas song, it brings me such great peace that I just had to include it in my Advent 2020 series.
The second week of advent is dedicated to Peace. Especially this year, I think peace is one of the hardest concepts to grasp. And yet, I believe that it is one of the most important things for Christians to desire and search for. And good news, the Bible is very clear how we can find peace. God gave us the greatest Christmas gift ever when he sent His one and only son, our peace.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". John 14:27
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelations 3:20
This verse is commonly quoted to non-believers, but I think many of us miss it's true meaning. Jesus is knocking on the door, asking to come in a share a meal with us. He wants a relationship with us. He doesn't want to stand on the front porch of our lives, he wants to be welcomed in, and share fellowship with us.
Once we have welcomed Jesus into our homes and hearts, he blesses us with all his riches, which include: "love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 6:22-23)
He gives us peace, because "He Himself is our Peace." (Ephesians 2:14a)
Have you ever wanted to walk on water? I think it would totally fun, but I know that unless that water is frozen, or I'm wearing skis, I am not able to. Only Jesus could walk on water, since he was part God, part man. No matter how much we believe in Jesus, we will never be able to actually walk on water or dance on the waves.
When the song writers say "we'll be dancing on the waters", in my mind, they mean that when we welcome Jesus into our lives, incredible things can happen! Do you think that you will never find peace? With Jesus, you can! He is our Peace. Are you weary and worry you will never find rest? With Jesus, you can! He is our rest.
If you haven't read John 6:16-21 in a while, it tells us of a night that the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee to reach Capernaum. While they were on the boat, huge winds started swirling around them and they were terrified. Imagine being stuck in a small boat with no shelter while wind and water pounded at you all around. Those of you who live in southern Alberta know all about wind, just imagine adding water and a small rickety boat into that equation. Jesus saw that they were in trouble and walked on the water to reach them. Once he reached their boat, he commanded the waves to stop, and the waters became still. (If you want a really good sermon focusing on this passage, click here!)
For the disciples, the presence of Jesus brought peace. Instantly, they were not afraid and the storm was over. Isn't that amazing that whatever storm we are traveling through, Jesus calls out to us, just like the He did for the disciples, with this gentle reminder:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
God is with us wherever we go, and God has every day of your life planned out before you are even born. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
He even has all the hairs on our heads numbered. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will wall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-30) That's pretty spectacular!
God cares for us and we are each one a work of art created by God's hands. We are his masterpieces. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
Not only did God create us, but God created the entire world. He created everything in this world, including us, to point us to his glory, his power and his splendour. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3) He created the expansive world with its distant planets and deep seas so we could have a tiny glimpse into the glory of God. When we look at the wonders of this world, it is hard not to be reminded of God and his greatness.
"Break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel. Isaiah 44:23
"God’s ultimate purpose in choosing you, predestining you, making you alive, giving you faith, adopting you, keeping you infallibly for himself, is that as his loved son, he might enjoy the beauty of your enjoyment of him forever and ever." John Piper, 2020.
(John Piper, November 13, 2020. Does God Regret Making Me? | Desiring God)
"The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zepheniah 3:17 (NKJV)
PEACE. God quiets us with His love, and rejoices over us. We mean so much to God that he rejoices over us to the point that he sings. Let that thought rush over you, and I pray that that gives you peace through this Christmas season.
"Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you PEACE at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16