These words were not spoken in the twenty-first century, though they sound as though they could have been. The full quote is “Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). These words were spoken some 2,600 years ago in the time of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. The land of Israel had, for the most part, turned away from the God they claimed to worship, and certain judgment was impending. Their unfaithful leaders spoke these words, claiming there would be peace when there was not. A foreign army was about to invade, destroying any semblance of peace. Many would be brutally killed and others would be taken away captive, and their possessions would fall to others. There was no peace, as the people soon found out.

In our own times, many have tried to claim “peace, peace, when there is no peace.” For example, after communism fell in Russia and Eastern Europe, people around the world were excited about these political changes. It looked at thought the world was about to embark on an era of peace. How soon that optimism was squelched as war was fought in Iraq. This opened the door to a new era of terrorism that has spread to affect countries around the world, especially the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. It seems that as soon as one conflict has been cooled, another arises to take its place, raising the question “is there no peace?”

At this writing in October, 2017, the threat of war, even nuclear war, involving North Korea seems to be more likely than ever. Even if that possibility passes for the time, we wonder where the next threat of war will develop. Will there ever be peace? The Bible’s answer to that question is an emphatic “no,” at least as long as mankind resists God and refuses to submit to Him. Jesus foretold that, as the end of time draws near, wars will only increase. Mankind without God will find no solution to world problems. “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8).

In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3 is the prophecy of people in the last days of history who will say “peace and safety” just before sudden destruction comes. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them... and they shall not escape.”

If we look to this shaky world’s political and economic systems for peace and security, we will be disappointed. If we look to the military might of the world’s most powerful countries for protection, we have no guarantees. If we depend on this world’s economic systems what would a great depression do to us? World events should remind believers in Christ and unbelievers alike that peace among the nations is like a straw in the wind.

The Bible calls on us to put our trust in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to be looking to Him and not to unstable world systems for peace and security. There can be peace among God’s people and peace within our own hearts regardless of world conditions. The Bible calls Jesus Christ “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He can bring us peace of mind even in turbulent times. Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

We find that peace by surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ and living in obedience to Him. We need to repent of sin and follow Him with our whole hearts. Jesus said, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8). Then we have this promise: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

From: Reaching Out

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English

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Roger Berry

Edite

Reaching Out

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