God of Peace

The Holidays can be hard.

This can be for many reasons but sometimes, as you know about me, I like to point out the obvious. Not everyone we run into this time of year will be jolly, happy, or in the “Holiday spirit”.

We live in a world of noise.

Sometimes we must remember to turn off the tv, radio, put the phone or computer down and just sit in silence.

We have to want to listen to a different voice.

Many times we are so “used” to a certain voice that we stop desiring something different, better. Jesus says in John 10 that His sheep listen to his voice; is that true of us.

Peace comes from God.

As the speaker/writer of Hebrews wraps up his book the themes found in the earlier chapters get condensed into this prayer. God himself is our peace. We can look for peace in many places but will find either a “catch 22” or that after the newness wears off we are left wanting.

Peace carries an concept of wholeness.

We can only find wholeness and completeness in Him.

Jesus’ sacrifice opens the door to peace and the new covenant.

Jesus and His covenant is greater than any others. His covenant is the fulfillment of the hopes of Jeremiah and other prophets about the new thing God was going to do.

Jesus is the Good & Great Shepherd.

The ancient Israelites knew about shepherding, we do not as much. Foundational is this: Jesus is guiding and speaking and caring for His sheep. Our job is to be guidable, listening, and willing to be cared for by Him.

Jesus never asks that which he does not empower.

The will of God is not always a mystery. In fact, in beginnings of Hebrews 13 we see a list of things which is Jesus’ will for us. But he also doesn’t set us up for failure. We can do what he asks. The question typically is: do we want to?

We do not need to stay the same.

This is encouraging for some of us. Others like where we are. Yet, Jesus wants to go deeper and continue to change us. He wants to do waht is pleasing and helpful to His kingdom through His people.

Jesus is speaking. Let us listen.

A good shepherd, will not stay quiet when the sheep need direction.