Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men

Birthday of a King

[Luk 2:2-52 KJV] 1 And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 

In verse 14 we read the verse "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Good will toward men.  From reading this portion of scripture, it's God's intention that there be peace on earth and good will toward men.  Consequently, due to living in a fallen world, we've never seen peace on earth, good will toward men.  Not in the fullest sense.  The reason being because we live in a fallen world that's been tainted by sin.  We see man's cruelty towards man.  We see wars, even race wars brewing in this world.  We see people in competition with one another to see who is better.  We see strife, contention, jealousy, malice, and hatred manifested in this world.  However, it's God perfect will for there to be peace on earth and good will toward men.

When I read that verse, I believe it's futuristic.  There will come a time when there will be peace on earth and good will toward men.  It won't be in this present world.  One of the questions that's so often asked by people is "If God is such a good and loving God, why does he allow all the suffering to take place in this world."  This summer, in the midst of all the turmoil, strife and nation in our country in the world, the thought came to me.  "God's will isn't wrapped up in this present world."  That doesn't mean God doesn't care about the affairs of this life.  However, God's will is so much greater than this present world.  God's mind is on a day when there will no longer be any more wars and strife.  There will come a thousand years of peace where Christ will rule with a rod of iron.  (Revelation 2:27).  Afterwards, after the thousand year millennial reign and the time when Satan is loosed for a season, God will burn the elements of the earth and create a new heaven and new earth where that will be eternal joy and peace.  No sin and strife.  No wars will be known.  No tears will also be known.  All will be bliss.  That day will come.  When that time comes, then there will be peace on earth and good will toward men.  As long as sinful man dwells upon this earth, we won't be able to experience that verse.  With sin there's always strife and contention.  Thank God that one of these days that this world as we know it will pass away.  We'll eternally be in the presence of Jesus and we'll experience peace on earth good will toward men.