What will it take to bring all mankind together to experience a long-awaited period of peace? Will any of this generation see worldwide peace in their lifetime? One thing for sure, if you can even entertain the possibility of this becoming a reality, then you have been reading something other than the bible.
Throughout the scriptures, we are told that this will never happen, since it is completely impossible. Oh, it will eventually come, but not until the Prince of Peace Himself appears. So why then, are we so shocked when tragedy strikes or when there is war, strife, and terrorism?
I am not saying that we should be complacent when calamities, catastrophes, and adversities of all kinds come. In fact, we should be busy doing our part to prevent as much of this as possible. But should we should be shocked when it happens? Absolutely not! It says in 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, think it not strange when you are tried by fire (which is done to prove you) as though some strange thing happened unto you,” We are not to think it is strange because we should know that these things must happen for God’s full plan to unfold.
Peace is one of my very favorite things in life, and I always want more of it. Yet I am also aware that life has never been without adversity. This is for one primary reason, and that is we live in a world that is permeated with sin. Sin creates a great divide in mankind. There are those that seem to be controlled by sin and others who despise it and are attempting to avoid it any way they can. There are also those who are blind to the truth and it seems that nothing can change that. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 tells us why:
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
We are certainly seeing a lot of “strong delusion” today, and truth of God’s Word is being scoffed as though it is foolishness. But as awful as all of this may seem, it is also a sign that our Lord will be coming very soon to right these wrongs and judge evil once and for all. When this happens, we will begin to finally enjoy our long-awaited peace. Heaven will make it worth all that we will experience.
Like 21:28 says, “ And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.”