Current Troubles And The Need For Peace

We are living in some turbulent days. Unemployment is currently at levels that have not been reached for decades. Our nation is in the midst of increasing commitment to the war in Afghanistan even as the prospects of a bright future for that country are far from certain. Our national leadership is currently engaged in momentous debates concerning the expansion of our national debt and the future of the American health care system. In the swirl of issues, arguments and predictions that surround these and a host of other issues, the average person can feel more than a bit overwhelmed and confused. Anxiety has become a constant companion to many parents, workers and business owners as many feel uncertain about the future. Many investors are seeking safety and security in the form of buying gold which has increased in value over 30% since July. There is, however, an asset that is increasingly precious to many because it is so rare. That asset is peace. We often fail to realize it, but what we are truly seeking in our investing, political action, therapy, counseling and religious activities is peace. The absence of conflict. The confidence that all is well and that all will be well in the future.

The truth is that ever since the fall of man we have been a people tossed and turned by fears, worries and guilt. God told Adam and Eve that in the day they ate of the fruit of the forbidden tree they would die. Physically speaking Adam and Eve lived many years after eating the fruit, but one thing died instantly in the moment that their eyes were opened: peace. A dread of the future began to hang over them. "What would God say?" "What would happen to them?" They heard God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. His presence, which previously had always been a delight and joy to them, was now a reason to run and hide. They were in conflict with God now and they knew it. Peace was gone and now there remained only fear and alienation. This is the world into which Jesus was born.

The Bible tells us that Christ came not only to bring peace but that He is Himself our peace (Ephesians 2.14). What this means is that when a believer truly has peace he or she has Jesus. This needs to be distinguished from the teachings of Jesus. There are many who have the teachings of Jesus but they do not have Him. Jesus invited the weary and burdened to come to Him. Not to a set of rituals based upon Him. Not to a religion spun off of His life. Jesus is not merely a pattern to follow in order to have peace. He is that, but He is infinitely more than that. Jesus is not merely the pattern of peace He is the presence of peace. In Christ, God was giving back to His people the peace that had been lost in the garden of Eden. The man whose birth we are currently celebrating would eventually give His life in order to bring His disciples back into the very presence of God. In Christ, our forgiveness is certain and our future is secure. This is the peace that He brings. This is the peace that He is. Let us give thanks to God for Jesus: the peace and presence of God.