June 9 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

The shepherds are the first to hear the song of the angels. They are witnesses for the church of all ages. The Lord decides to reveal it to these members of the covenant; God, in His sovereign good pleasure, always reveals the message of peace and grace to the audience of His choice. He determines who will hear this song and who will receive His peace. The shepherds may not keep the message of the angels to themselves but must spread the news.

This verse is not saying that peace is given to all people in the world. Literally the verse reads, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of (His) good pleasure” There can only be peace for those whom God has graciously chosen. They are placed in a right relationship with God through the redeeming work of the Saviour.

The angels sing of the peace which has come into the world through the birth of Christ. Such peace is not for all people in the world but for those called and chosen by the Lord. The peace the church receives comes by way of a tremendous battle: Satan, this sinful world and our own flesh keep attacking. They do everything to wear us down. The church of Jesus Christ, however, may live in the knowledge that through the coming of the Messiah there is peace and harmony with God. In the church you see the fruit of Christ’s redemptive work; you observe brothers and sisters in the Lord living together in peace, basking in the reconciliation Christ obtained for them.

By living at peace with one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and sharing our talents for each other’s benefit, we give evidence that through the working of the Holy Spirit we begin to understand the message of Christ's birth and the song of the angels. That does not mean everything will be just fine in the church. Sin’s sting will be felt until the fullness of God's glory becomes a reality in the eternal peace of Christ's kingdom. A better day is coming! Our eyes will see the glory of the coming of the Lord Jesus. The servants of God and the children of God will sing together. The concert date will be time never ending. The concert hall will be packed with an innumerable multitude—this time not in army uniforms but in garments white and clean. The entire audience will be one large choir worshipping God forever and ever.