Wars and rumors of war. It's not like we should be surprised, since Jesus told us ahead of time to expect them (Matthew 24.6). The vast majority of human history has been characterized by war rather than peace, no matter how much we've yearned for peace.
The present Middle East hostilities have our attention, and many are wondering if it's headed toward a truce or Armageddon. Regardless of the immediate outcome, it's safe to say this is one more of a long line of conflicts destined to culminate in the ultimate conflict. In spite of humanity's hopes, lasting peace will always be elusive. As Jeremiah the prophet declared, "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6.14) A band-aid approach to human brokenness will only produce temporary peace at best.
It is inevitable that people who are at war with God will ultimately war with one another. James reminds us: "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4.1-2) As long as there is even one person who is not under the absolute control of Holy Spirit, there will be human aggression, fighting, and war.
The root cause of all war is conflict with our Creator. Until there is perfect peace within that relationship, there will never be true world peace. This truth alone ought to fuel fervent evangelistic and missional effort. The agony of the most recent outbreak of hostilities painfully reminds the people of God that the message and mission are far from fruition.
We are a good news people. While we are well aware of the prospects and reality of approaching Armageddon, we declare - against that backdrop - that peace with God through Christ is not only possible, but imperative. Except one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3.3) - the true realm of peace on earth.
War reminds us how much was lost in the garden paradise, but also reminds us what is to be gained in the coming earthly paradise at the return of Christ. Meanwhile, the imperative of peace with God and peace with one another (Matthew 22.36-40) are the marching orders for the people of God today. May we live in peace in the truest sense, and serve as ambassadors of peace as our Father has designed.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
The present Middle East hostilities have our attention, and many are wondering if it's headed toward a truce or Armageddon. Regardless of the immediate outcome, it's safe to say this is one more of a long line of conflicts destined to culminate in the ultimate conflict. In spite of humanity's hopes, lasting peace will always be elusive. As Jeremiah the prophet declared, "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6.14) A band-aid approach to human brokenness will only produce temporary peace at best.
It is inevitable that people who are at war with God will ultimately war with one another. James reminds us: "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4.1-2) As long as there is even one person who is not under the absolute control of Holy Spirit, there will be human aggression, fighting, and war.
The root cause of all war is conflict with our Creator. Until there is perfect peace within that relationship, there will never be true world peace. This truth alone ought to fuel fervent evangelistic and missional effort. The agony of the most recent outbreak of hostilities painfully reminds the people of God that the message and mission are far from fruition.
We are a good news people. While we are well aware of the prospects and reality of approaching Armageddon, we declare - against that backdrop - that peace with God through Christ is not only possible, but imperative. Except one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3.3) - the true realm of peace on earth.
War reminds us how much was lost in the garden paradise, but also reminds us what is to be gained in the coming earthly paradise at the return of Christ. Meanwhile, the imperative of peace with God and peace with one another (Matthew 22.36-40) are the marching orders for the people of God today. May we live in peace in the truest sense, and serve as ambassadors of peace as our Father has designed.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 7:58 AM
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