Posted on 04/24/2020 10:50:23 AM PDT by metmom
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matt. 5:9).
Christ’s atonement made it possible for man to be at peace with God.
After World War II the United Nations was created to promote world peace. But since its inception in 1945 there has not been a single day of global peace. That's a sad commentary on man's inability to make peace. In fact, someone once quipped that Washington D.C. has so many peace monuments because they build one after every war!
It hasn't always been that way. Prior to the Fall of man peace reigned on the earth because all creation was in perfect harmony with its Creator. But sin interrupted peace by alienating man from God and bringing a curse upon the earth. Man couldn't know true peace because he had no peace in his heart. That's why Jesus came to die.
I once read a story about a couple at a divorce hearing whose conflict couldn't be resolved. They had a four-year-old boy who became distressed and teary-eyed over what was happening. While the couple was arguing, the boy reached for his father's hand and his mother's hand and pulled until he joined them.
In a sense that's what Christ did: He provided the righteousness that allows man and God to join hands. Romans 5:1 says that those who are justified by faith have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:20 says that God reconciled all things to Himself through the blood of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Yet on the surface, the scene at the cross wasn't peaceful at all. Pain, sorrow, humiliation, hatred, mockery, darkness, and death were oppressively pervasive, but through it all Christ was doing what He alone could do: making peace between man and God. He paid the supreme price to give us that precious gift.
In the future, Jesus will return as Prince of Peace to establish a kingdom of peace that will usher us into an eternal age of peace. In the meantime He reigns over the hearts of all who love Him. Let His peace reign in your heart today!
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for the peace of heart that comes from knowing Christ.
For Further Study
Read Philippians 4:6-9. What must a person do to know God's peace?
Studying God’s Word ping
Lord Jesus Christ, send now your Spirit over the Earth.
Lord Jesus Christ, send now your Spirit over the Earth.
Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations that they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war...
AMEN!!!!!
The question for us men of peace is what to do with violent extremists such as Mohammed’s followers and cartel members?
This is part of a well-known prayer composed by an apparition of Mary in Amsterdam in 1945 to be prayed at the end of the world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmGrlgKBsHE
One can be a peacemaker even I think, if strong action is taken.
Being a peacemaker does not mean being a wimp or pushover.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He is certainly going to take decisive action when He comes back and vanquishes His enemies for good.
All I know is that compliance and capitulation does not bring peace. That is surrender.
I guess then, bringing about justice is what makes for peace. And if justice demands harsh penalties for violent behavior, such as murder and rape, then so be it.
The problems we are facing now as a society and culture are from justice NOT being done.
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