And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” – Genesis 41:16 (KJV)
Have you ever had your blood pressure test done, and the doctor tells you to relax? In those moments, we seek to free our minds of worry and the chaos around us. Some of us pull up a happy moment from our virtual encyclopedia or a Bible Scripture of God’s enduring assurance.
Fast forward to when we leave the doctor’s office, we are back in our fast-paced world where peace seems elusive. Work deadlines, business deals, chores, bills, health challenges, family responsibilities, conflict – an unending list that would have caused the blood pressure machine to beep incessantly. No peace!
Yet the words of songwriter Donna Summer remind us of the significance of Christ’s birth:
He came to bring us peace
He came to bring us everything that we need
To set us free
Oh I long to feel that Christmas spirit in my heart
We may ask what does this peace means and where do we find it. In Genesis 41:16, we get a hint when Joseph assures Pharaoh that “God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” despite the seven years of chaos or famine indicated in his dream. Other Bible translations replace ‘peace’ with ‘a favourable answer’ (Genesis 41:16 – ESV) or ‘at ease’ (Genesis 41:16 – NLT). God’s assurance was seven years of bounty as the precursor to famine.
Jesus reinforced that promise by His birth when reconciling us to God’s promises. Your years of bounty are coming, so whatever chaos we may see today, let us take hold of the hope that the Christ child’s birth has brought us. John 14:27 (NIV) reminds us – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Every miracle performed by Jesus (John 2:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, John 4:46-51, Matthew 8:23-27) should remind us that peace – or a favourable answer – is our birthright. Let Jesus take preeminence, knowing that a posture of peace acknowledges that our Father will favour us with peace in the chaos.
Read: Isaiah 26:3; Colossians 3:15 Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 145:8-13; Revelation 12; Revelation 13:1; Ezra 6; Ezra 7:1-10
