It Is Beyond All Knowledge

Peace. For the times in which we live, we most often use the term to express our desire for a world that is free from conflict and war. Pray for peace in the Middle East. Miss America campaigns for world peace. We often use the word to express our desire for quiet, for rest and relaxation, a lifestyle without stress or conflict. Some call confession and repentance the act of making our peace with God.
In Luke 2:14, the Angels are announcing the birth of Jesus which will bring glory to God and peace to men. Did Jesus’ birth bring peace to men? Christmas was costly. Following Jesus cost eleven of twelve disciples their lives. It cost John the Baptist his head. While the Jews weren’t at war, it can hardly be said that they weren’t in conflict with the Roman government. Jesus, Himself said in John 16:33, “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world”. The peace He brought, then, had nothing to do with freedom from troubles and worries.
So, the Angels must have been referring to God’s offer of peace with Himself. It is only through this peace with God that men can even approach peace in any other form. We can certainly not have inner peace without peace with God. We were created for friendship with God, so being apart from Him is abnormal. Peace and contentment then are only attainable through peace with God. We can truly trust Him that all things work together for good for those who love Him. We are assured that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength; that is to say, we can be content regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves. We can have rest in the peace of Christ when all around is turmoil. Paul says, “Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God. And the peace of God, which is deeper than all knowledge, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
In this advent season, may we accept God’s offer of peace with Himself. May we rest in the knowledge that He is in control and have “the peace that passes understanding”.