Week 4 Devotional – Peace: The Angels’ Candle
Natural disasters. Inflation. War. There’s so much trying to steal our peace. But in Luke 2, we read the following:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men …’” –Luke 2:13-14
In Biblical times, Joseph and Mary needed the Lord’s peace. Especially after an angel warned them to flee to Egypt because King Herod would seek to destroy the Infant King.
Today, so many of us are overcome by the worries of life. But like Joseph and Mary, we can keep our eyes on Christ—our Savior—and find peace in any circumstance. And not just any peace, but perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
Let’s turn our attention to the persecuted church, for example. We’re deeply inspired by the story of Azad. He grew up Muslim but is now an underground church leader in the Middle East, as well as a Bible smuggler.
He’s faced intense persecution in his life. In his own words, because of his faith, “Islamic leaders wanted to kill my wife and children.” But he’s found peace in Jesus to continue on: “God tells you in a different way—in various ways—that there’s always a way, and that He’s there.”
Though he’s surrounded by Islamic extremists who wish to destroy him, Azad bravely straps 50-pound sacks of Bibles to his back and sneaks into Middle Eastern countries where the gospel is needed most. If caught, he could face prison, torture or death. But still he perseveres. And how? Through the peace of Jesus Christ that surpasses all understanding.
