June 8 Daily Devotional

Glory and Peace

Peter G. Feenstra

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

Bible Reading

Isaiah 26:1–8

Devotional

The song of the angels contains two key words: glory and peace. These words bring out the message of the angels. Christ’s birth brings to earth the peace of God which passes all understanding. Peace is often associated with a lack of war or an inner feeling of happiness. Such a definition is too restrictive. Peace means harmony; it is the opposite of confusion and disorder. We find this throughout scripture.

In the beginning the Lord made the world so that everything would function in perfect peace and harmony. Human beings were made to function in an orderly way with each other and with creation. Peace on earth was rooted in a harmonious relationship with God. The entire creation was made in perfect peace and harmony. The Lord made everything beautiful in its own way (Eccles 3). All of creation reveals how the Lord is a God of order and harmony. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Peace is the opposite of confusion and disorder.

Peace originates in God’s glory. The glory of God is His majesty and presence as that is revealed to His people. God’s glory was revealed in creation in that He made everything good. Nevertheless, because of sin, disharmony disturbed the peace and created unrest. Since people are not in a right relationship with God they sour relationships with others, too. That’s why there is so much disorder, poverty, misery, war, quarrelling, grief and misunderstanding in this world. By nature we sin and fall short of the glory of God.

In such a world as this, the angels teach the church to sing about perfect harmony. What they sing is not merely a pious wish. In essence they say, “Look at all the misery in this world! You may even experience it yourself. But the Lord has opened the heavens and has come down for your salvation and peace.” We receive this peace when we come under the rule and the government of Jesus Christ. God will provide peace and everlasting security to those who trust in Him. The song of the angels confirms the words of Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” (NIV)

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