As usual, I have again trusted the Lord for a word for His people for this season in which we are currently, and specifically, because I live in South Africa and mostly minister here, what His heart is specifically for us.
That is why there is this urgency in me to share what I have heard with you in the next few weeks.
Most believers around the world remind each other of the birth of Jesus in December, although research shows that God the Son, Jesus of Nazareth, was born in September 3 BC.
Before I talk about this further, let me just remind you of events that took place in Jerusalem on April 12, 30 AD.
Read with me John 20:19 ff.
“It was late that same day, the first day of the week.
The doors where the disciples were gathered were locked for fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Peace is possible on earth and in each of our lives on earth because God the Son became man in Jesus. Yes, because He made SHALOM possible through what He did through His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.
This is what the angels prophesied about Him at His birth in Luke 2.
“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, there was with the angel a heavenly multitude praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those with whom he is pleased!”
Listen, peace is possible on this broken earth and in my life and yours!
But only in the lives of those who choose to believe this message from the angels! Yes, those who get to know this Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Lord in their lives, too.
Then His Spirit comes and lives in them as His people, who have begun to believe this Gospel. Galatians 5 further explains that if He controls our lives, then other people will also recognize in us the fruit and characteristics of Jesus, and also recognize this SHALOM and its effect in us!
Then hear how Jesus, as in John 20, to His disciples at that time, also says to you: Peace be with you!
Yes, He came, died on the cross, so that peace (Shalom) in every sense of the word is possible and available for you too!
If you will only believe it! If you will only accept it in faith!
When you accept it and also believe that He can also do it for and in you, He can send you to others to also tell them to go and preach this good news!