When two doves were released from the papal window at the Vatican as a sign of world peace, they were attacked by hostile birds. The release of the doves accompanied Pope Francis' appeal for peace in the Ukraine, but the peace doves were attacked by a decidedly non-peace-loving seagull and crow ("Birds Attack," The Times of Israel, Jan. 26, 2014). The outcome is uncertain as the doves were still under assault as they flew away from St. Peter's Square. This reminds us that this world has no peace because of man's sin--sin that has affected the entire creation--and there will be no peace until man is at peace with God. The pope's sermons can't bring peace. United Nations proclamations can't bring peace. New Age meditation can't bring peace. Beatlesque "give peace a chance" mystical feelings can't bring peace. The efforts of philanthropic billionaires can't bring peace. Colorado marijuana highs can't bring peace. Those who sing "give peace a chance" don't have peace even in their own hearts and homes. Peace will come when Christ, the Prince of Peace, establishes His holy kingdom in this world. Only then will the lion lie down with the lamb and the nations beat their swords into plows. Today the world rejects Christ the Saviour. But when the "man of sin" comes on the scene as a great peacemaker and problem solver, he will be received with open arms. "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). (Friday Church News Notes, January 31, 2014, www.wayoflife.org, [email protected], 866-295-4143) Comments are closed.
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