Peace on Earth?

Introduction

        In Isaiah 9:6-7 is one of the more profound prophecies of Jesus, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

        At this time of year this passage is quoted in celebrating the birth of Christ; touting him primarily as the Prince of Peace and that he will bring peace as stated by the angels in Lk. 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

        How does one such as Jesus bring about world peace? Does he just show up and it happens? Or is there more to it? Please note the following:

Not Peace, but a Sword!

In Mt. 10:34-37 Jesus makes this statement, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

For one called the Prince of Peace this statement seems rather disturbing. However, if you look at the context you can see what he means. His arrival is not to bring dissention but it will cause it as not everyone in a family will be on the Lord’s side. The is one of the big problems with an interfaith marriage. When husband and wife have two completely different views of religion, it will cause tension in the household. Children may be raised in one belief or another but, in the long run, they will end up choosing sides; even if it’s a side against both parents.

The concept of “It doesn’t matter what you believe, we all worship the same God” is unacceptable and sinful. You can’t simply accept everyone’s beliefs as being right as God, himself, won’t do so (Matt. 7:21-23).

Overturned the tables…

        In Jn. 2:13-16 we see Jesus in another questionable situation, “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!’”

        Again, the question is asked; How can the Prince of Peace get away with doing this? The answer is that in order to keep the peace a show of strength and authority is necessary. It doesn’t state that Jesus used the whip of cords to hit anyone; including the livestock. It was rather a symbol used to show he will not stand for something materialistic to be done in a holy location. From the moneychangers’ viewpoint, they were trying to make things easier for visitors from other countries. The same with those who sold livestock for sacrifice.

        We see these kinds of events still taking place even today. When megachurches and community churches will provide gift shops, soup kitchens, and thrift stores; it’s the same thing as the moneychangers. They are bringing the worldly things into God’s house. And yet, most won’t see the similarities at all.

Purge out the Old Leven

        To obtain peace on Earth, you have to purge out those items which prevent it from happening. In 1 Cor. 5:7 the apostle Paul writes, “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” You have to get rid of the sins of your old life to obtain your new life in Christ. Sacrificing your relationships with certain friends and family may be necessary to keep oneself pure and spotless. Those who you leave behind may not understand and grow to despise you but, as Jesus states, he must come before family and your own life (Mt. 10:37).

Conclusion

        Before you tout Jesus as the Prince of Peace during this holiday season, make sure you understand at what length he went to obtain that title. There’s more that one needs to do than just pray for peace.