Lesson Four: Prince of Peace
Bryan Fox
Now and then, I will look at comments on news articles regarding tragedies in the world. Whether it is about war or killings, there are usually comments along the line of, “How can a loving God allow this to happen?” Then a terrible shooting takes place in a church building, and people go off the charts trash talking about God, religion, and faith.
I have no answer as to why these things happen other than all things work for the glory of God. His plan is not ours and to pretend to understand in our small brain what His ways are, is quite prideful and arrogant to say the least.
To me, “Prince of Peace” means having inner peace with God. The fact that I am a child of His brings me comfort and the basis that I can rationalize the many difficulties I encounter in my life. Jesus did not promise a life without pain, sorrow, or difficulties. So when I face these trials, I look to my faith in Jesus for peace in dealing with them. We were born as an enemy to God through our sin; but because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we have the hope and security of eternal peace. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been brought back to a relationship of peace with God.
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In the meantime, tragedies will continue, there will be sickness, disease and famine, mass shootings, death, and destruction. True world peace will become a reality only after Jesus returns.
Philippians 4:6-7 adds, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”