Finding Peace Through Jesus, Even in Our World of Sin and Violence

Last Sunday, October 8, we studied Acts 1 in the Adult Bible Class at First Lutheran Church where I am serving as Vacancy Pastor. We spent time to consider verses 6 and 7 of Acts chapter 1. “6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’” Think of Jesus’ response to questions about the end times. Why did he respond that way? My materials suggested that the question of Jesus’ disciples was distracting them from the task at hand. “. . . you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8b)

Little did I know that while we were in Bible class Hamas was bombing and invading Israel. Hamas forces attacked people in their homes, killed civilians, raped people, and took hostages. Then the next day I received a text from a neighbor asking what I thought. She asked me in a way which seemed to be asking, “Is this a final battle? Is this the beginning of the end?” My response to my friend was to share some words of Jesus from Matthew 24 we had discussed in Bible Class. “5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. . . . 36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. . . 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:5-8, 36, 44)

My personal reaction to this invasion is sadness, revulsion, and anger. But, notice I did not say that my reaction is total surprise. While this attack was unexpected, it has only been a year and a half since Russia invaded the Ukraine, and caused similar devastation. Here in America we have seen shootings in schools, in malls and theaters. I could go on. Unfortunately, history is full of examples of ‘man’s inhumanity to man.’

I am sad, for one thing, because these violent acts of aggression steal what little peace we have in this world. But this world defines peace more as a lack of conflict, than the presence of calm and assurance. This coming Sunday in churches which use the common lectionary we will read from Philippians 4. In those verses we will hear God call us. “6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) In a world with so many reasons for worry, God gives assurance of His love, He gives peace in Jesus! Our Lord gives peace in Jesus who loved us so much He died to forgive our sins. God gives assurance of His love, He gives peace in Jesus, who rose again to offer eternal life in heaven. For our worry, God gives His peace!

My reaction to the invasion of Israel is first, therefore, I am saddened to see another act of hatred and violence. Second, this recent attack just confirms in my mind and heart that we live in a world of sin, and we are hopeless to overcome this sin on our own. Sunday’s attack is another one of those birth pangs, reminding me that Jesus is coming again as Judge over the sin of this world. Because I don’t know WHEN He is coming, I ALWAYS need to be ready. But, finally and thankfully, this attack confirms to me that we need a Savior from our sin against God and one another. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father has sent His Son, Jesus, who is our Savior, who forgives and saves us from ourselves.

We Christians are not only called to claim this peace of Jesus for ourselves. Our Lord calls us to share Jesus and His peace with others. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew. 5:9) So in this time of upheaval, of wars and rumors of war, we are personally reminded to “be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” In this time of unrest, we can offer Jesus, the Prince of Peace.