Good Monday morning, sweet friends! I hope your weekend was absolutely wonder-full! Mine certainly was!
I’m still seeing crosses in the trees as we approach the celebration of the most victorious day in human history – the day Jesus came forth from the grave!
On our journey to Easter, I’d like to reflect on why Jesus came to this planet in the first place. He had a choice, ya know. So why did He come?
Because we needed PEACE.
Peace with God and the peace of God.
Isaish 9:6 tells us Jesus’ very name is Prince of Peace.
Because of Adam’s sin, we have inherited his sin nature and become sinners by nature and by choice. Our sin has separated us from God. All of us were born into this world as sinners – enemies of God. That means that mankind was without hope unless the relationship that was lost in the Garden of Eden could be restored.
We needed someone who could bring peace to that shattered relationship.
Look at what Ephesians 2:1-3 says about us:
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience ā among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
Now check out what Colossians 1:19-22 says about what the Lord did for us:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight”
Jesus made peace through the cross. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1
Ephesians 2:14 say Christ is our Peace.
Sweet friends, Jesus came to give us peace with God and to be our Peace.
As we approach Easter, please take some time to praise Him for restoring sinful man to a right relationship with a Holy God.
He came to give us peace – peace with God and the peace of God
Look at what Philippians 4:6-7 says… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
And Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.
God calls His children to walk in peace – to let His peace rule (or govern) our hearts. As Christians, we don’t have to walk through this life with restless and anxious heart.s He has called us to peace. He speaks peace to our storms. He speaks peace to our hearts in the midst of our storms.
Perhaps the cross is beckoning you today! If you’ve never given your heart to Jesus, today is the day to enter into the peace He came to give you. The cross of Christ accomplished peace with God for all who will surrender to Him as Lord. Won’t you trust Him today!
If you have any questions, I’d love to talk to you. Leave a comment or email me at stephanieshott@me.com.
I’d love to walk through the Word with you. You can receive a daily devo in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.
P.S. – Tomorrow, I’ll be over at Scripture Dig! Come visit me there. We’re walking through Ephesians! š
Ā© Stephanie Shott, 2011
I love this truth of His coming, Stephanie, and it's a beautiful declaration of the Easter celebration.
Julie ~ Easter always makes me think about how we celebrate that which we would normally mourn. But then came the morning! And what may be normal in the natural was completely defeated when Christ supernaturally came forth from that grave! So thankful for so great a salvation!
I've enjoyed reading a couple of your posts today. And I checked out your page on your new book. Congratulations!
Good blog. wb
This is a beautiful post, Stephanie! Thank you for sharing the scriptures about peace and your inspiration and encouragement.