We continue to reflect on Y’shua’s birth narrative (both the prophecies and what Luke tells us are facts). We pause to hear the angel-song as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Luke 2:13-14 AMP
[13] Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,
[14] “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
Peace because of God’s Favour
As a child, the KJV was our standard. It suggests that the angels sang peace over everyone’s life. I suspect that that premise has been accepted by many of us. Our Nougat nuances peace as God’s blessing, which is reserved for those with whom God is pleased. For me, the subtle nuancing invites further reflection.
Self-Check
Do we restrict our favour or our love only to particular persons? Why/ not?
Deeper Dive
If, as the angels stated, God offers peace and goodwill only to a select group, then it is safe to say those persons enjoy divine favor. Isaiah 61:2, the foundation of Y’shua’s mission revealed in Luke 4, speaks of a year (season) of divine favour. In the Hebrew context, that’s all about the jubilee, the cancellation of debts, and an opportunity to begin life anew.
Wouldn’t you agree that Christ’s birth heralded our jubilee?
Remember, in Christ, we gain a new lease on life, our past is obliterated as we begin afresh with Him. That’s at least a part of what the angel-song offered – for Christ’s resurrection is proof positive of God’s goodwill. And knowing that truth frees us from fear, ushering us into God’s peace.
Since God’s favour isn’t resting upon everyone – and we definitely see that with all the wars and conflicts around us – we need to determine how it is gained. The clue is in the reason for the angel-song. Romans 10:9-10 is clear: we must confess Jesus as Lord because we believe in His resurrection, so that we gain access to salvation.
Before we argue that salvation isn’t about favour, let’s remember the explanation Ephesians 2:8-9 offers: We gain salvation by faith, which is God’s gift to us, not by our merit. Our task is to receive that favor. I believe that our peace, rooted in Christ, the Prince of Peace, is a gift that is bestowed on us at the time of our accepting Jesus as Lord.
When the angels proclaimed peace to the recipients of God’s favour we were included. The question is, do we believe God’s peace rests upon us?
Point to Ponder
If we know ourselves as favoured by God, why are we succumbing to fear instead of basking in God’s peace?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
