Wisdom Seeks Peace

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. Peace is one of the godly attributes promised to those who are in the kingdom of God. Isaiah’s promise that the sheep would lie down with the lion has intrigued the imagination of people down through the ages. Man has tried to find the way to peace by human methods, but peace can only be achieved by God’s power, and not by the wisdom of men.

Vainly mankind tries to work out peace by talking about problems and by offering appeasement to those causing problems. Appeasement and talk do not bring peace. The United Nations has become a pulpit for enemies of the USA to backstab their host. The humanist manifesto of the United Nations can never produce peace. Justice, mercy, and love are the way to peace, and can only be found in one place, in Jesus.

Jesus purchased peace for those who believe in Him. That peace comes from trusting God’s power to work in our lives and in the world. But that peace is not accomplished by appeasing evil.

Justice established by the rule of law, ordained by God, brings punishment to evildoers. Apostle Paul explains this very well: Rom 13:1-7 - “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” NKJV

We conclude that peace does not come from ignoring wrong conduct, but from dealing with evil conduct in the way that God has provided. We are responsible to oppose evil personally, considering ourselves, and showing concern for those trapped in evil. We should not hate a person, but hate the sin that enslaves them, and stand against that sin.

How can we do good to our enemy? Not by encouraging their wicked conduct. They must be opposed by just power. But we can show concern for the innocent who are trapped under the power of evil. We should work to set them free, and to tell them about the Prince of Peace.

Pray that peace will come to Iraq, and that the power of good will be stronger than the power of evil. The weapon of the terrorist is fear. How can we have peace in the face of such threats as they pose to our lives? By trusting Jesus, who has the power over death. The hope of the resurrection gives peace even to those under the threat of death, and to those who are dying. The terrorist can take our life, but not our hope.

Peace and hope comes from submitting to the will of God, as Peter wrote: 1 Peter 5:6-7-“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” NIV

The fact that God loves us can become our source of peace. Wisdom seeks peace by trusting the power of God in Jesus Christ. Are you at peace? What do you fear? “Cast your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.”

Randolph Gonce, 276 Co Rd 56, Stevenson, AL