TOPIC: JESUS THE PEACEMAKER
MEMORISE:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
MESSAGE:
When sin came into the lives of Adam and Eve, they forfeited their cordial relationship with the Lord God Almighty. They were separated from the blissful presence of their creator. It was a great loss. The interesting thing that many may not believe is that God wants man to come back into fellowship with Him. However, God’s holiness prevents Him from beholding iniquity, as we see in Isaiah 59:1-2:
“Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
To bring about this reconciliation therefore, God had to make the sacrifice of giving His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for the sins of the world (John 3:16). 2 Corinthians 5:19 says further:
“ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
Before Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, He said:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
In John 7:37, He calls:
“...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”
Our memory verse says “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). To make peace with God therefore, one must acknowledge his sins as well as confess and forsake them, with a promise not to go back to the life of disobedience. A new life is expected of anyone who has accepted the peace that living in Jesus Christ brings. The Bible speaks of the publican in Luke 18:13 thus:
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Making peace with God also requires breaking away from past misdeeds and making right our wrongdoings like in the case of Zacchaeus:
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Luke 19:8
This is proof of genuine repentance and reconciliation.
PRAYER POINT:
Jesus Christ, The Prince of Peace, please remove any barrier between me and my Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, permanently reconcile me to God the Father.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 117-118.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
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