“Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” Jude 1:5 ESV
Reflection: what is peace, and is it possible on earth?
As long as I remember, there has been delegations from powerful nations trying to broker peace deals all over the world. But it seems like even before the ink is dry on one deal, the fighting begins. And, if not in the same place, war breaks out in another part of the world. And, as much as we understand from history, this has been going on since the beginning of time. So, if we only look at humanity’s track record, I think we can conclude that lasting peace in this world is not possible. We might get periods of peace, but then a new conflict appears and the fighting begins.
Now, we know that some people “profit” from fighting and wars, whether the profit is power, control, or money. But certainly is driven by selfish interests. There are some, who also are driven by a deeper divide, a spiritual divide, of a deep hatred against God. A religiously motivated war, if you will. One of the worst atrocities known in history was the Bolshevik Revolution, where an estimated 100 million people were killed, primarily Christians. Unfortunately, not much is being taught on this time in history, a horrific example of what authoritarian rule like communism and Marxism can lead to. And, perhaps relevant to understand in light of the current political climate in many western countries, who are toying with these ideas. As an example, Christians are currently being arrested in England for praying by themselves in public places.
It is important to recognize that wars are mostly spiritually motivated. That good and evil cannot coexist “peacefully” by their very definitions. It is man’s rebellion against God. Jude brings up this rebellion in the example of the Israelites being freed out of Egypt. Of those who followed Moses into the desert, Jude remains us that many rebelled and did not have faith in God, and therefore were destroyed, by God. Jude continues, “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 1:6-7 ESV.
We don’t like to talk about this, but it is important that we do, as these serve as examples for us, to understand the war we are in; especially as we are nearing the day of the Lord. Paul writes “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 ESV
“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 ESV
As Christians, we are reminded of the proclamation and song at the birth of Jesus Christ, “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” Luke 2:10-14 ESV. And Jesus said “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 ESV. Peace with God in Christ Jesus, on earth.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 ESV