WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PEACE ON EARTH?
Luke 2:8-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
By Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
In the last days, people will cry "Peace, Peace, but there is no peace." As we look at our world today, we see wars and strife in every part of it. We see it in South America, in Africa, in the Middle East, and in Asia. Numerous wars are being fought throughout the world at any moment in time—even though we do not hear about many of them. We also live in precarious times here in Korea with the threat of (nuclear) war.
In light of such things, I ask you to consider, "Whatever Happened to 'Peace on Earth'?" Was not that what the angels announced on the night of Jesus' birth? Let us consider this subject in the following ways: (1) Why there is no peace and (2) How there can be peace.
I. WHY THERE IS NO PEACE
1. We are increasingly experiencing unstable relationships.
2. We are increasingly seeing unnatural “affection” (or lack of natural affection).
3. In our world, we are living in a time of unfulfilled promise.
Is there any wonder, then, that there is no peace on earth? How could we expect there to be peace with such instability, such lack of natural affection, and such unfulfilled promise? Let us consider, secondly, how there can be peace.
II. HOW THERE CAN BE PEACE
(In 2 Thessalonians, Paul gives a benediction—a request for a blessing from God: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all." I do not believe that Paul would have requested such if it were not possible to have it. Thus, how can there be peace?)
1. Paul clearly declares the promise of peace (peace that exceeds our expectations).
2. Paul clearly presents the person of peace (Jesus Christ, the Lord of Peace).
3. Paul also describes the power of peace (peace that endures).
CONCLUSION
Whatever happened to peace on earth? Men and women without Christ in their hearts—that is what happened! Young people without Christ in their hearts—that is what happened! Boys and girls without Christ in their hearts—that is what happened! Without Jesus in their hearts, there will be no peace on earth.
Do you have peace? If not, maybe the problem is that you have never personally met the Prince of Peace. However, if you are a child of God but do not have peace, you need to reclaim that relationship that you once had with Jesus. I urge you to be a living example for the Lord by having an inner calm and security in the midst of a world filled with wars and rumors of war. Then, you will be able to share that peace with others who desperately need it.
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