OCT 21

Luke 2:8-14
Memorise Luke 2:14
“…on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

There is a huge difference between Christianity and other religions. Christianity teaches us what God did to bring us salvation. In all other religions, the focus is on what man needs to do in order to bring salvation upon himself. In other words, the religions of this world like Buddhism and Hinduism emphasize works, or what man must do to be saved, while Christianity emphasizes what God did to save us.

The world does not need religions that teach us how to be good or to obtain peace, because by ourselves we can never achieve that. What the world needs is the Prince of Peace for He alone can bring peace to this world. But this peace is not merely a situation where there is no war and everyone agrees to a ceasefire. When Jesus came as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), He came to make peace between God and man. He reconciled the world to God. The world is at war with God; sinners are at enmity against their Creator and against each other. But Jesus came to make peace. He brings sinners to a state of peace with his Maker so that they submit their lives to God, thus experiencing the peace that passes all understanding.

We give all glory to God for this great work of mercy when Jesus came to cleanse us from our sins and paid the price that the holiness and justice of God demands for breaking His commandments. In and through this great work of the Lord Jesus Christ, all sinners – now cleansed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit are able to manifest goodwill to people. Only when the gospel of Jesus universally prevails, will there be true peace on earth.

Dearest teen, as you seek to understand the glory of God in His great love for us, do you value your faith even more? Do you see how great and good God is as He seeks to bring peace on earth, even as He sent His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for our sins? What is your response? Surely, if God so loved us “first”, we ought also to love Him and increase in our love for Him. Meditate and ponder over the infinite greatness of His love.

Thought: Jesus, the Prince of Peace will rule with perfect peace one day on earth.
Prayer: Increase my love for Thee, heavenly Father, as I daily learn of Your glorious work of salvation.