Read
Isaiah 2:1-4
Will
there ever be world peace? Yes. The real question is when? The Scriptures say
that the heavens and earth will be made anew or that even a new heavens and
earth will be made. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and Jesus is coming back. When
Jesus returns (if not before) there will most certainly be peace on earth. This
is important. I think that sometimes we forget that Jesus is actually coming
back.
The
Salvation Army’s official position on world peace is as follows:
The plan for
creation is that all people shall live in a harmonious relationship with God.
It acknowledges that only within this relationship can perfect peace be fully
known, and that this peace transcends the circumstances of this life. Greed,
selfishness and injustice, however, have entered human lives and often result
in conflict and, at times, armed aggression.
Therefore, in the
light of the Gospel and in obedience to the one who declared, “Blessed are the
peacemakers,” The Salvation Army through its ministry around the world
confronts the poverty, injustice and the inequalities that so often give rise
to disharmony and unrest, and seeks to foster mutual respect and understanding
between peoples of all races, ethnic origins, socioeconomic backgrounds,
religions and cultures.
Recognizing the
appalling character of modern warfare, The Salvation Army urges nations to
eliminate all weapons of mass or indiscriminate destruction and divert those
expenditures into measures that will benefit society, and especially into
providing services that promote the welfare of the poor, suffering or
disadvantaged, and bring about a more just society. The Salvation Army is ready
to work, alone or in partnership with others of goodwill, to bring about an end
to armed conflict and to promote reconciliation between opposing factions. It
also undertakes to extend in Christian love its practical care to those who
suffer because of war, civil unrest or other forms of violence, without
discrimination except on the basis of the need being met and its capacity to
meet it.
The Salvation
Army calls upon all within its influence – members, friends and fellow
Christians – to pray for peace, to love their enemies and to work for the
betterment of society, witnessing to God as the source of lasting peace and to
a right relationship with God as the only path to perfect peace.
When
we are in a relationship with God we can even experience His peace in the midst
of turmoil. Many early Christians experienced the peace of Christ during
torture and martyrdom. Their forgiving response was used to God to greatly
expand his Kingdom here on earth.
When
have you had the opportunity to turn the other cheek and share the peace of God
with your neighbour even in the midst of calamity? What was the result?
[1] Based on the article by Captain Michael Ramsay, Will there ever
be world peace? Nipawin Journal (January 2008) On-line: http://renewnetwork.blogspot.ca/2009_01_01_archive.html#8969473775180504981
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