“For a child has been born to us, a son given to us, and the authority is upon his shoulder, and the wondrous adviser, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, called his name, 'the prince of peace’.
Isaiah 9:6
Peace
has always been among humanity's highest and most sought after, and yet, most
elusive values. Defining peace is challenging, as it derives its meaning and
qualities within a theory or framework. As such, the Christian, Hindu,
Buddhist, socialist, fascist, capitalist, pacifist, democrat, dictator and
internationalist will all view peace differently.
ManuelGodoy y Álvarez de Faria (May 12, 1767 - October 4, 1851) served as Prime
Minister of Spain (1792-1797 and 1801-1808). He became PM at a tender age as
the favourite of the King and Queen. It is said that he maintained power
despite a series of disasters, due to corruption. He is blamed for the disastrous war with
Britain that cut off the Spanish Empire and ruined its finances. However, among
his many popular titles, was "Prince of the Peace" (Príncipe de la
Paz).
Isaiah9 tells of a child to be born, a son to be given, who would be called
Sar-shalom. Christians believe this was
a prophecy about Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, and the peace he brings is
the only peace we cannot live without - peace with God. Peace with God becomes the source and
inspiration of all peace. The Prince of Peace reconciles us to God; he gives
peace in the heart and conscience, and when his kingdom is fully established in
our hearts, we shall learn war no more.
That’s
what Mr. Dylann Storm Roof did not realize.
He chose the wrong target to start a Race War. When we are at peace with God, we study war
no more. The reaction of the believers in Charleston is consistent with that of
persons who have the peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) and
whose hearts and minds are guarded by the love of Jesus. We can have peace when it does not
make sense. We can have peace in the
midst of storms; peace in the midnight hour; peace when the gas price goes up;
peace when the housing market bubble bursts; peace when friends, family and
colleagues are against us; peace when terminal illness and death visit us or
our family or friends; peace when our children do not “turn out” as we desired;
peace when all else seems to be falling apart, because we are connected to the
true source of peace. The peace Jesus
offers surrounds us like a warm blanket on a cold night. True peace comes when
the anger, the fury, is coupled with an intentional choice to respond in peace.
Thought: Jesus brings the only peace we cannot live
without - peace with God.
Perfect Peace
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