His Gift of Peace by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

by jennifer kennedy dean WWW.PRAYINGLIFE.ORG

WHAT ARE THE LYRICS IN THE ANGELS’ SONG OF SALVATION? A PROCLAMATION OF PEACE!

Peace that had never been available on earth was, in the presence of the shepherds, offered freely from heaven. This peace was something brand-new, never heard of before, never experienced in history — peace that only heaven knew, now offered to people on earth.

Surely the Father knew the great longing of the human heart. He knew what was missing and elusive — what no human heart could conjure for itself. The very centerpiece of His proclamation announced the greatest benefit of His Gift. Peace.

Until Jesus, no one could know true, lasting peace. The Old Testament, before the Incarnation, promises peace, but it is a peace that is not fully known until the Prince of Peace bestows it.

Peace was the highlight and the focus of His coming, and peace was the theme Jesus emphasized as He was preparing His disciples for His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension — when His presence with them would be through His Spirit and no longer through His physical body.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

He said that His peace is not like the world’s peace. What do you think is the difference? The world

offers a cheap imitation of peace. It stays in place until the next disappointment arrives or hurtful memory surfaces or uncertainty presents itself. In other words, it is fleeting and shallow. It never stays put for long.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

His peace is not like the world’s peace because His peace is anchored in eternal realities. He knows what we do not. His peace imparted to us through His Spirit puts down deep roots and grows stronger as time passes.

In Him, we can have peace in spite of any trouble we will encounter. Peace is on deposit in us

Fully rest your heart and life on Him. Give yourself fully to Jesus, and Jesus will hold you. Remember Jesus sleeping in the back of the boat as the storm raged? That’s the kind of peace He imparts. Peace that has its anchor in eternal realities rather than being subject to the moment.

Heaven’s brand of peace is now available to you because Jesus imparts His peace to you. It’s the centerpiece of salvation, the content of the heavenly birth announcement. Peace to you.

Article adapted from Pursuing the Christ by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. Reprinted with permission.

Discover author and speaker JENNIFER KENNEDY DEAN

Jennifer Kennedy Dean takes complex spiritual theology dusts it off and breathes lifeinto truth to make it practical, inspiring, and useable for everyday living in a way thatchanges women in lasting ways.—Pam Farrel , Bestselling author and speaker

Jennifer Kennedy Dean is an amazing woman, passionate prayer warrior, and preciousfriend. She brings authenticity and wisdom to every event at which she speaks.—LysaTerKeurst, New York Times Bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

Jennifer Kennedy Dean is a powerful communicator. Her knowledge of the Word of God combined with a passion for communicating transformational truth make her one of the leading Bible teachers today. —Carol Kent, Bestselling author and President of Speak Up Speaker Services

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