Devotion:
Read Romans 5:1-2.
OK, that was short, so please read it again! What a powerful promise is given to us in these two verses! The word “peace” stirs up so many good images for us...walking out of a noisy, busy, crowded room into the quiet outdoors. Or the end of a savage, devastating war when weapons are put aside and the opposing sides agree to stop fighting and to work together. Perhaps it is hearing good news after stressing about a medical test and realizing we are going to be fine. We long for peace in our lives.
There is always a mystery about God, whom we know in many ways including God’s being all-powerful, our creator, and our judge. Scripture often speaks of the fear (awe) of God being a good thing. Paul tells us in this passage that, because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid of God. We are indeed at peace with God. Paul wrote in Greek, but as a Jewish scholar, he likely thought in Hebrew; and the Hebrew word for peace is shalom, which also means completeness, wholeness, and being filled. Being at peace with God through Christ allows us to know God personally and to live into God’s love for us without fear.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on what it means to “have peace with God.” In the coming season of Advent, we will hear of “peace on earth, good will to all.“ Give thanks for the peace in our relationship with God through our faith in Christ and ask God to help us reflect that peace in our relationships with others.
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