Prince of War-Peace
34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matt 10:34 (ASV)
Though maybe not as prominent today as when I was growing up in the 70s, there are still bumper stickers declaring that there should be ‘Peace, not War’. While Jesus is the Prince of Peace and there really is no peace without Him, it’s interesting that He makes this claim of not sending peace, but war. It seems that where the greatest peace would be known, there will have to be contention for it. Where a new nation is to be born that is free from the bondage of a taxing and religion constraining government there will have to be a revolution with sacrificed lives. Where it is believed that true peace for everyone requires the deliverance of those who have been bound in slavery, there will have to be countless lives given on the battlefield. When peace gained is being challenged by regimes that are on a mission to undermine it, there must be a willingness to go anywhere in the world with the intent to storm beaches, drop bombs, and gain victory at the cost of however many lives it takes to preserve and protect this most valuable acquisition. When the Prince of Peace is known to be the only true way to an inner peace that none can compromise or take away, there must be a willingness to contend for Him with anything and anyone that rises to divert commitment to Him in the slightest of ways. Even those that are dearest to the heart must not give reason to avoid a battle that becomes necessary to preserve the Prince’s place in the heart.
Peace does not come without contention and the greatest challenge to real peace that quiets the streets is the thought projected on the bumper sticker- that there can be peace without war. Whatever can persuade you to roll over for promised ‘peace’ is the very thing that will eventually remove true peace altogether. The real pursuit of peace will require battle gear and the ‘eye of the tiger’, not just a mamby-pamby walking of the path with least resistance. The greatest peace is not found in avoiding the storm, but going right through it with an unshakeable presence. Ephesians refers to the ‘feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace’ as part of the battle attire required to defend against the attacks of a relentless enemy. There will be a daily threat against a peace won by the blood of the Lamb and only where there is a willingness to fight for it will there be any presence of it. Through the battles that are sure to come this day as threats to our relationship with the Prince, may no war be conceded or avoided for the illusion of peace. May real triumph and real victory establish His presence as a peace that passes understanding through every storm, conflict and contention that arises.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:3 (KJV)