The world, the nations and individuals of the world are always seeking peace and security, especially in today’s modern world, which has been shattered by acts of terrorism. Who can forget September 11th, 2001,October 12th 2002 or the almost daily reports of lives lost through ‘suicide bombers’? Peoples “hearts are failing them for fear” (Luke 21:26), not knowing what the future holds and seeking to find lasting peace and security. Although the recent events may have impressed the need for peace upon you – you are not alone and the quest for peace and security is not new.
In China’s Palace Museum, built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, there are Halls named “Preserving Harmony” and “Complete Harmony” as well as Palaces of “Earthly Tranquillity” and “Peace and Tranquillity”. These show us something of the desire of the occupants of these Palaces and Halls. Was their quest successful?
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded since 1901 to many worthy recipients but have any of these people been able to find a lasting solution to the world’s conflicts, wars and terrorism? Have they been able to answer the quest for lasting peace and security that we all long for?
The United Nations was hoped to have been the solution to man’s quest for peace on the earth. Established in 1945, composed of 51 nations, part of its Charter stated, “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war….To maintain international peace and security”. In the grounds of the headquarters stands an imposing statue representing peace, called “Let us Beat Swords into Plowshares”, a quotation taken from the Bible: “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” (Isaiah 2:4).
The recent, much publicised ‘Roadmap to Peace’ has as its objective “to end terror and violence and the normalising of Palestinian life”. The same quest continues – has it been successful or is it likely to achieve its stated objective?
In spite of the world’s efforts to produce a paradise on earth, wars and rumours of wars still remain. Issues of race, class, colour, and ethnic origin still divide people and the threat of nuclear and other destructive weapons remains. All this should remind us of God’s analysis: “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God to the wicked” (Isaiah 57:20-21). The truth of the matter is, there is no lasting peace in this world. All the programs, all the efforts, all the religions and all the promises of this world, can never give perfect peace!
True peace can only be found in Christ Jesus. God’s promise is,“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3). God has procured perfect peace for a troubled world and it can be obtained without money or human effort. You can have perfect peace, instead of dread and fear of an uncertain future, through Christ’s death. He has “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). Thus God exhorts you to, “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace” (Job 22:21). Those of us, who are acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ, have seen that “Jesus our Lord…was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 4:24-5:1). This perfect peace can be yours today by trusting Christ as your Saviour.
The way to peace has been shown but what about the quest for security in your life? People today talk about security. Nest eggs are laid aside for retirement and diligence is seen in making one’s possessions secure. Many trust in burglar alarms, anti-theft devices and insurance to make themselves feel secure. Furthermore, the forces of nature such as floods, lightning or bush fires can rob some of their possessions and security. Disease or injury has often depleted one’s insurance and Company policy has eliminated jobs, putting faithful employees out of work. There are many ways in which the Bible is true when it says “…riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). Yes, the security that this world has to offer is frail at best. True security is to have “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven…” (1Peter 1:4). Do you have this assurance?
Upon trusting Christ as our own Saviour, “we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). Jesus Christ has said “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28). This, my friend is the only way to find perfect peace and true security. Do you possess it?