A peace that never ends

Most of us these days can hardly remember a time that has been wrought with so much uncertainty, heartache, and deep cultural and political division. Add to that the daily feed of disturbing news and the routine stressors of everyday life, many of us have been stretched to our limits. My first thought is to extend my heartfelt prayers and wishes for wisdom, endurance, and grace to effectively navigate through whatever challenges have come your way. And may you find meaningful ways to sustain close relationships, even from a distance.

One thing that has helped me is to step back to a broader, historical perspective. Not to diminish the seriousness of what we are dealing with now, but many of our ancestors endured far worse, through the hardships of the early settlers, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, disease epidemics with lack of good medical care, the Great Depression, and the devastation of all the wars since.

At the time of Christ’s birth, the political and economic climate was beyond anything we can now imagine. Jesus was born under the dictatorship of the brutal King Herod whose paranoia drove him to murder anyone perceived as a threat to his rule. Joseph and Mary were poor peasants who were forced to make the 100-mile journey to Bethlehem on foot for the purpose of taxation. Some scholars estimate that the emperor Caesar Augustus levied taxes as high as 50-60% of what people grew and owned.

Those closest to Jesus had high hopes that he would bring deliverance from the oppressive rule. But God’s plan was far grander, encompassing all the peoples of the world, and to the end of time, into eternity.

Several hundred years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “^]The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders... for a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.” (Isaiah 9: 2, 4, 6-7 NLT).

Since that time, we have seen many worldly kingdoms rise and fall. Even the best-intentioned leaders face insurmountable limitations and constraints. Regardless, we can be certain that God’s Kingdom reigns with peace, prudence, and justice, in the eternal realm. In His final hours before the cross, Jesus told Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

The One who came as Prince of Peace 2,000 years ago, still stands ready to bring us real hope and peace, no matter what uncertainty or trouble we face in the days ahead. He is the One who dispels darkness. It is HIS love that reconciles us to Himself and one another. It is HE who now reigns supreme
over a peaceable, eternal Kingdom. Human minds cannot fully grasp how this can be, but as we  surrender to the wonder and mystery, peace will reign in our hearts.

Photo from Christmas Eve service, 2019.