Posted on December 6, 2009 - by Admin

The Way of Peace

“To guide our feet into the way of peace.”  (Luke 1:79)

One of the clearest indicators of the fallenness of man is the continual lack of peace among people and nations..  As Romans 3 describes the natural man apart from God, one result of our sinful condition is that, “the path of peace have they not known.”  (Romans 3:17) All around we see brokenness and conflict daily among nations, families, relationships, and stress within the hearts of people.

Rick Warren states in his book, “The Purpose of Christmas”, that “during the past 5,560 years there have been nearly 15,000 wars, and these are only the ones we know about . . . right now, there are thirty-two large and small wars going on in the world.  We human beings don’t seem to be very good at living in peace with one another.”  On top of this are the interpersonal wars going on constantly in our homes, businesses, churches and our own minds.  The stress of the daily grind and of difficult times adds to a sense of being overwhelmed the lack of peace in our lives .

In our message this week, Zacharias is a man who has received the news of a coming son (John the Baptist) who will announce and be the forerunner for the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  John will “guide our feet into the way of peace” by guiding us to the person of Jesus Christ and His way of life.  It is by placing faith in Jesus that we can have peace with God, which ultimately is the only path to peace among people and peace within our own hearts and minds.  Zacharias would learn this personally in his own life – as he goes from unbelief in the promise of God to celebrating the birth of his son John with a God-centered song of worship.  May each of us approach daily life in this same fashion:  in light of our unsettling doubts and situations, instead of unrest we must trust God.  May this be your focus during this second week of Advent..  “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3)

“Peace on earth and mercy mild – God and sinners reconciled.”  (Charles Wesley)

The Way of Peace                                Luke 1:57-79

“To guide our feet into the way of peace”  (Luke 1:79)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  (Luke 2:14)

By nature, our response to God’s work in our lives is often like the unbelief of Zacharias when he was told of the upcoming birth of his son John.  Once Zacharias experiences the truth, he opens his mouth in honor and celebration of God and His purposes for John’s life.  John would guide us into the way of peace by pointing us to the “Prince of Peace”  (Isaiah 9:6)

1.  The way to peace with God.
Notice:  Zacharias does not believe God’s promise, and suffers the consequence of a closed mouth.  (Luke 1:20)
Consider:  Why was Zacharias not at peace with God?  How did he come to terms with what God was doing in his life?
Related Scripture:  Isaiah 57:20-21; Romans 3:17;  5:1

2.  The way to the peace of God.
Notice:  Zacharias now not only accepts the will of God, but he rejoices in the will of God.
Consider:  Why does sin always lead to restlessness and insecurity?  How have you seen obedience result in peace?
Related Scripture:  John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3;  Phil. 4:6-7

3.  The way of peace with others.
Notice:  Zacharias now can communicate with others the truth of God and His purposes.
Consider:  What is the root cause of interpersonal conflict?  How can you become a peacemaker in your life?
Related Scripture:  Matthew 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:21;  James 4:1-2

“Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  (John 14:27)