Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 4

 

You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and min him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:5-8 ESV).

 

Last summer when Mary and visited Gatlinburg we had to make our obligatory stop in the “Life Is Good” shop. This is the company founded in 1994 and predominantly known for its apparel with very optimistic scenes and sayings imprinted on them. She loves the feel and look of them; and, has a dozen or more in different styles and colors. I find it interesting that a company could be so successful in this age with such an inventory. We do not seem to be a culture that is very optimistic. To be fair, many of us have seen or experienced deep pain and losses over the past years. Perhaps you have been one of families grieving at the graveside; or, you’ve been the recipient of broken promises cutting to the very core of your soul. You may be struggling with health issues; and, of course if you’ve escaped those then the daily diet of violence in the streets, world hunger, or abuse has certainly threatened your “good” life.

 

Long ago sin, brokenness, and death entered our world through the work of the devil and Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God. But God responded by sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” Through the Prince of Peace God is destroying the work of the devil in this world and in our lives. He is restoring creation and redeeming and renewing his children. It’s a kingdom battle. On Christmas the battle was engaged. At the cross and through Jesus’ resurrection, the decisive battle was won. When Christ returns, the fullness of God’s kingdom peace will be here. Paradise was destroyed, but God, through Jesus, is at working ushering in a new heaven and earth.

 

The peace of God rests in the kingdom of God. As a child of God, you can experience peace in this broken world because Jesus has won the victory and made you secure in body and soul, in life and in death. And you can serve the Savior by living in ways that bring healing, wholeness, and peace where there is brokenness. Remember your heritage!