Those Who Hate Peace

Psalms 120:6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.

Peace on earth, good will towards men are the words from the traditional Christmas song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Yet it seems that thought, or plane of existence is far from the minds of many on this earth. The Middle East remains in turmoil.  And while a newly minted peace plan remains tenuously in place, the trigger for renewed fighting is literally one bullet away. At home in the good old USA, political unrest over the budget to run the country threatens to literally bring our country to its’ knees. Gone from Washington are the days when partisan politics gave way to doing what is right for the country. No one seems to want to find a reasonable middle ground.

Matthew 22:36-40 gives us insight into just how wrong and broken our world is. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  Missing from all sides of any of the world political arguments are the two simple commandments. Love God. Love your neighbor. These commandments have been replaced in many parts of the world and at home with “There is no God”, and “unless you believe as I do I will hate you even unto death.”  Love, compassion, and peace are missing from the dialogue of our world. For many, Psalms 120:6 hits the nail on the head. “Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.” Many are seeking “something better.”  For followers of Jesus Christ we know where the “something better” is found. We also know that God our Father did not send His Son to die for sinners just to have a world reject the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus, the Prince of Peace and the very reason for Christmas would not accept as reasonable what is going on in our world.

The Matthew 22 passage above clearly is at odds with our modern and “enlighten” world. And to that end, what are we to do as Christians? Staying focused on Christ is a good start. Stay in tune with His words. And pray that His words would fill the hearts and minds of all mankind. We have a God-sized problem on our hands in this world today. Prayer is the best weapon we have in the war on peace today. Please, dear friends if you are not already praying for peace in our world and in our land start today.

PRAYER: Almighty God You are the source of all wisdom and the source of all peace. Help us dear Lord to find the peace we so desperately seek at home and abroad. Help those who seek to destroy each other physically or ideologically see the error of their ways. Guide us all in the light of Your Son. Let Your Holy Spirit fill all hearts with faith and love. These things we ask in the name of Jesus, who is love and peace for all mankind, Amen.