He brought peace
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Römer 5:1
In a sketch by the comedy group Monty Python, a Jewish group of zealots (zealots) sit in a dark room and ponder the overthrow of Rome. One activist says: “They took away everything we had, and not just from us, but from our fathers and forefathers. And what have they ever given us in return?” The others' responses were: “The aqueduct, sanitation, the roads, medicine, education, health, wine, public baths, it's safe to walk the streets at night go, they know how to keep order.”
Slightly annoyed at the replies, the activist said, "It's okay...aside from better sanitation and better medicine and education and artificial irrigation and public health care...what did the Romans do for us?" The only answer was, "They brought peace! "
This story prompted me to reflect on the question some people ask: “What did Jesus Christ ever do for us?” How would you answer that question? Just as we could list the numerous things the Romans did, we could undoubtedly list many of the things Jesus did for us. But the fundamental answer would probably be the same one mentioned at the end of the sketch—he brought peace. This is what the angels announced at his birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!” Lukas 2,14
It's easy to read this verse and think, "They must be joking! Peace? There hasn't been any peace on earth since Jesus was born." But this isn't about ending armed conflicts or ceasing wars, but about the peace with God that Jesus offers us through his sacrifice. The Bible says in Colossians 1:21-22, "And you, who once were alienated and enemies because of your wicked ways, he has now reconciled in his body through death, to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."
The good news is that Jesus, through his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, has already done everything we need for peace with God. All we have to do is submit to him and accept his offer in faith. “Therefore, we can now rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God, because we have received reconciliation with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Römer 5:11
Prayer
Father, thank you that we are no longer your enemies, but you have reconciled us to you through the Lord Jesus Christ and we are now your friends. Help us to appreciate this sacrifice that has brought us peace. Amen
by Barry Robinson
