Got Peace?

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” [Luke 2.14 NLT]

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. [Luke 2.14 KJV]

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” [Luke 2.14 NIV]

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” [Luke 2.14 NASB]

Except for the King James Version of Luke 14, there seems to be an agreement among all the other translations that "peace on earth" is conditional.

I grew up with mostly only the KJV Bible. Consequently, every Christmas Season, that version was posted everywhere (Christmas cards included). Universally, people saw and rested in this verse as an "olive branch of peace" if you will, to all.

But other translations of the Bible do not carry such a universal blessing. That peace is conditional! God's peace is reserved for those He is pleased with!

In other words, those who are not pleasing to God have no hope of peace - not during Christmas, not ever!

Wow. I did not see this coming today. But, here it is. As long as there exist people who do not seek out and follow God, there will be no peace in their lives.

God's salvation is for everyone (salvation requires repentance). God's peace is reserved only for those who please Him (nothing but faith pleases God). 

God's peace does not recognize 'diversity.' God's peace does not recognize 'tolerance.' God's peace is not all-inclusive. God's peace is for those who please Him.

Got Peace?

Father, I am challenged today to do some re-thinking. I see that peace is for those who please You. I am reminded that without faith, it is impossible to please You. I can see clearly that if I am unable to realize peace, it is most likely because I am not believing in You!