"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
It's impossible to turn on the news these days and not hear about the unrest in the world, and a constant urging to make peace. According to the Council on Foreign relations there are currently 27 wars and conflicts worldwide. We are living in days where peace is talked about more than ever, yet it has never seemed more out of reach. Jesus warned that in the last days there would be "wars and rumors of war" (Matthew 24:6), so we Christians should not be surprised by any of this.
It's so easy to feel discouraged and depressed by what is going on in the world, but let's not allow ourselves to give into such feelings. We have received from God an amazing gift. A Savior, a Redeemer, who is called many wonderful names, including "Prince of Peace." He sits at the right hand of the Father, and is interceding with the Father on our behalf, just as He did while on earth, when He prayed for His disciples and "those who would believe in [Jesus] through their message."
A day is coming when we will see worldwide peace. It won't come from human hands. It will come from the blessed hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. King Jesus will reign from Jerusalem, and true peace will be established on the earth.
In the meantime, believers can rejoice in knowing that we have peace that comes from reconciliation with God through Jesus, His Son. And we have the peace of the Holy Spirit living within us; the "peace that passes all understanding," even in the midst of great trials.
Praise God for His incredible gift of His Son -- the Prince of Peace!
Today's music video What a Beautiful Name/O Come All Ye Faithful was produced by One for Israel. When I came across it yesterday, I was deeply moved, for it is performed by Jewish and Arab believers in Jesus. You see, there can be peace between Jews and Arabs, through Yeshua (Jesus).
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
What a beautiful song showing that we can, indeed, have peace in Jesus name. I've been praying for the safety of the IDF soldiers every single night. Also the others involved in wars everywhere. My heart just breaks for the innocent people in Israel that suffered so on Oct. 7. But you're right, it's getting worse and will until Jesus comes to take us home.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Happy Monday, Nancy. I sit at my desk here in my in-home office that is beginning to look like a storage unit. We have 10 grandchildren and there are piles of gifts stacked up all around me waiting to be dressed up in festive paper and bows. My son, who is an artist, will come over to help get the wrapping done. He mumbles and fusses about it every year, but he goes out of his way to give the gifts some extra pizzaz. The children could probably tell which ones Grandma wrapped and which ones Uncle Ricky wrapped, if, IF, they took long enough to look at the gift before ripping it open. They look beautiful under the tree though. It's 8:21 a.m. and still very dark. Around 9, whatever light we are going to get today will start poking through the dark clouds. We have Gale Warning winds and snow forecasted today. I'm thankful for my home office, although I do venture out to my office Building, once or twice a week to connect with co-workers. Working from home can be lonely. There aren't very many who work in the office so that's lonley too. sigh. I miss the pre-covid days, of a full office staff, and taking our breaks together to go for a short walk or read a silly interwebs article. Two of my dearest friendships are a result of office co-working. Both ladies have passed away and I miss them terribly. We had our Christmas tradition of sharing lunch and exchanging gifts. Gifts that made us howl with laughter or oooh and aaah over the little kindnesses. Usually, our gifts where thrifted items and we loved that part of it too. You would have fit right into our little group. Have a great week, Nancy. I"m going to have a busy week. I promised my son a deer stew for his part in the gift wrapping marathon. He supplied the deer. I'll supply the wrapping paper and bows and ribbon. Take care. Peace is an amazing gift. Sandy
ReplyDeleteI know we have been living in the end times since Jesus returned to heaven. So much has changed even in my lifetime, but if we read history, including the Bible, we see the effects of sin every step of the way. I personally never watch the news, and have a great deal more peace than when I watched. I believe that God is in complete control of everything and that is so reassuring. One day, as believers, we will live in a world we can't even imagine, but that's our great hope as we wait for Jesus. That's an interesting statistic about the number of wars and conflicts. So very sad, isn't it? I really look forward to your thoughtful devotions Nancy.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading through a series of books set in Europe from 1935 to 1945. There will never be peace until the Prince of Peace comes.
ReplyDeleteYes!!! And that day is coming soon!!! I saw your Christmas decor video on YouTube...it is beautiful!!! Many Blessings your way during this Holiday Season!!! Addie xoxo
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