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Photo of our backyard fishpond and flowers

A Peaceful Scene
Our backyard fish pond with flowers

Monday, July 17, 2006

"Peace In Our Time"

"We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace" (Zechariah 1:11).

Instant access to news reminds us of the turmoil so many face today in so much of the world. It's interesting to awaken in peace in my little spot on this terrestrial ball. This is true for many readers as well, although we may so easily take it for granted. I thought of this when I got on my bike early this morning and took my dog for a run along our country lane. It's a beautiful day and so peaceful. No rockets raining down on me or fighter jets screaming overhead.

Today we continue to observe the chaos in the Middle East. We wonder what all this means. Certainly earnest believers should pray for peace and sympathize with those who are suffering. It's also interesting in light of both Biblical history and prophecy.

What an outstanding statement in our daily verse. It concerns a time of absolute peace, "the whole world at rest and peace." I am not aware when this will be. It sure isn't now!

Among the titles that the Messiah was given in Isaiah 9 is "Prince of Peace." The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available:
1) Peace with God (reconciliation) (Romans 5:1).
2) Peace with each other (relational) (Romans 12:16,18). I believe this speaks of the local sphere in our lives, relational peace within our family and church.
3) Peace within (spiritual/emotional) (Philippians 4:7).

However there is no promise that in this present age there will be world peace in the geopolitical sense. In fact Jesus forthrightly declared that there will be wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. * He said, "Such things must happen." That may not be very encouraging, but the Bible does promise a future time of peace in this sense when the Lord returns.

In the meantime as followers of Christ we should seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and as far as it depends on us to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Prayer: Lord today I pray for peace. I recognize that You are the Prince of peace. May many turn to You today and accept that wonderful reconciliation You freely offer. That is the first step to all other types of peace. We pray for relational peace within families and churches. We pray for that wonderful inward, emotional peace, especially for our brothers and sisters affected by these wars. We look forward to that time spoken of when the whole world will be at rest and in peace. Help us all to serve You faithfully today.

Note: Brooksyne had to leave early this morning for a scheduled doctor's visit for Ester and thus was unable to assist me with the message and write the prayer as is her custom.

* Matthew 24:6,7

Today the song that comes to my heart to share is a familiar hymn titled "It Is Well" (audio mp3)

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