The recent question as to who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize was a much-debated issue. How would Jesus, our Lord, measure?
Prophesied to be the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), angels declared at His birth, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ (Lk 2:14).
And yet, Jesus Himself curiously asserted, ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.’ (Matt 10:34).
Sadly, there will be those who will reject God’s offer of peace. To such, God’s provision is likened to a sword which cuts into their comfort zones. Families will be divided when there are those who receive, while others reject. Even for those who humbly receive, often the peace of God comes through the sword that cuts deeply through baggage that weigh us down (Heb 4:12).
Thank God that ultimately, it is peace that Jesus champions. We see this in:
1. What He taught. Instead of ‘An eye for any eye’ and ‘A tooth for a tooth’ mentality, Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness and mercy, as against hatred and retaliation.
2. What He established. In Christ, we experience peace between humanity. All differences – be they ethnic, social or gender – which are the causes for many contentions are superseded. Scripture reminds us, ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Gal 3:28).
3. What He secured. Through Jesus’s work of redemption on the cross, He paid the price, making it possible for us to experience, ‘Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1a).
Peace or Sword – which would you choose?
Richard Lai
