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E-Mail Bag! "Where's the Peace?!" |
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Q.
I just read your website article “If Messiah has come, where’s the
Peace?” I was reminded of Isaiah 2:4, which reads: “...and 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.” This doesn’t seem to fit with your idea of inner peace,
as it very clearly refers to political conflict. How do you respond to
that? Joshua* A. Joshua, You are right: there is a big difference between inner, personal peace, and worldwide political peace. The scripture you mentioned prophesies worldwide peace to accompany the Messiah. But, we see in the Scriptures two ‘pictures’ of the Messiah: one where Messiah suffers and dies (Isa. 53, Dan. 9:26, Ps. 22:6-16, Zech. 11:12), and one where He reigns and establishes world peace. Of this second picture Isaiah 2:4 speaks. Attempting to explain this, the rabbis developed the theory that there would be two Messiahs. Messiah, son of Joseph, would fulfill the first picture, and Messiah, son of David would follow, fulfilling the second. The New Covenant reveals not two Messiahs, but one Messiah fulfilling both offices, at two comings. Why? Because He was rejected the first time by His own people, He says to the Jewish people in Jerusalem, “You will not see me again until you say 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matt. 23:39). If we reject Messiah, we reject the peace He brings. On the other hand, when we receive Him into our lives, He fills us with peace: “Peace I give unto you, not as the world gives...” (John 14:27). Thus, peace starts from within, and we look forward to the day when it will be worldwide. The problem is that people want to make peace with each other before making peace with God. Trust in Messiah, the Prince of Peace, and He will give you peace. Matt *
Names changed to protect individuals’ privacy. |
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