NO PEACE ON EARTH
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Luke 19:37-39 |
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…The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, “Master, rebuke Thy disciples.” KJV |
…The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!” NIV |
Here we read of the multitude rejoicing because their King, on His way to Jerusalem, was approaching. They were singing and praising with loud voices, not caring who heard them. They had seen Jesus perform mighty miracles and this gave them the courage to proclaim Him as The King before an accusing crowd made up of the rulers who were consumed with anger, pride and jealousy. They indicated their great displeasure at Jesus being honoured in this way, especially when it was out in the open and a very public display of adoration and praise. They were not happy; in fact, they were very bitter, and they asked Jesus to reprimand His followers. But Jesus rebuked them instead for being stiff-necked and rigid.
What is significant are the words used by the crowd when they saw Jesus approaching: Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. This was their King arriving!
Note the next words: Peace in HEAVEN – Not peace on earth!
This was because the Prince of Peace had been rejected and was to be crucified! There could be no peace on earth because they would not have this Man to rule over them. If you have wondered why there is no peace on earth and why there are so many wars, hatred and anger, then you have your answer. The Prince of Peace had been rejected, and it remains so until this very day. The vast majority of the world’s population rejects Jesus and will have nothing to do with Him. There would be peace in Heaven because of the impending death of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on the Cross, and then His ascension to Heaven.