When Jesus was born, the angel chorus sang, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” So it is a little surprising to hear Jesus say something that sounds quite different: “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-53).
In the latter passage, Jesus is declaring that He will someday bring judgment on the earth and that it can't happen soon enough. Before that fire falls, however, Jesus Himself must be immersed in God's judgment. Peace will not flow from this baptism, but "division;" Even the most basic of family connections will be upset with fathers taking sides against sons and daughters taking sides against mothers. Their disagreement has to do with fire and peace.
It is not politically correct to say it, but the world stands under the shadow of God's wrath (Col. 3:6). Fire will fall! Here is some good news -- There is an escape plan! The Apostle Paul explained it to the Thessalonian church: For they themselves report . . . how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:9-10). When Jesus returns, He will save His own from the falling fire.
How can He do this? Remember that baptism Jesus underwent! When He died on the cross, He experienced the wrath of God as a substitute for men. The fire of judgment fell on Him so that it need not fall on us! He offers this supreme service as a gift for any who want it. Receive this gift and enjoy true peace. Or refuse it and fire will fall.
This notion of "targeted peace" aligns perfectly with what the angels promised: “And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Those with whom God is pleased will enjoy peace. Those who reject His Son and refuse the supremely costly gift for which He paid, will not.
When "Peace on Earth" is assumed to be a privilege enjoyed by all men simply because "it's Christmas," the very purpose for which Jesus came to earth is trivialized, men are dulled to the fact that the place is about to go up in flames, and the profound value of what Jesus accomplished is diminished.
The angel chorus understood it perfectly. A myriad of them came near Bethlehem to celebrate the first phase of a grand undertaking, a peace initiative that would make it possible for some to avoid the fire that would otherwise consume all. This is definitely something worth singing about!
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