- World Peace
Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
God promises world peace! This would be a startling headline, but it would not be believed by anyone who lived very long. And Jesus also predicted: “There will be wars and rumors of wars.” Our own experience and our study of world history shows us that Jesus’ prediction is true, but the promise of “World Peace” is not true. It is almost a mockery that the “swards into plowshares” quote is etched on to the United Nations building. In actual practice it seems to us that the promise remains a dream. The world strives for peace, but it is never attained.
The promise of peace is not literal and historical. The promise of world peace is twofold: 1) Peace is spiritual, and it is in the process of being already fulfilled with the coming of Christ. 2) Peace is future, in that after Jesus comes to judge perfect and beautiful peace will be absolutely beautiful and universal in the Eternal Kingdom of God in the new heavens and the new earth. This will be true after“He shall judge among the nations.”
We can presently take hold of this promise and enjoy peace in our own hearts and peace among the hearts of believers. We are, and always will be, in the midst of war and strife both within and without. “Fightings within” continually break out and ‘fears without” are erupting in marriages, families, neighbors, communities, churches, politics, and nations. The believer can find peace by turning to Jesus. The Prince of Peace came to us to bring “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Jesus also promises: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers are those who are not experiencing peace but truly desire it, and for those who yearn for something better than they have Jesus makes them sons of God by faith in Him.
We also take hope and comfort in the promise and guarantee of an eternity of peace with God, in ourselves, and among all people. That Day will come. Wait for it, hope in it, and eagerly long for That Glorious Day.