It is true that things in the 21st century are easier, faster and more convenient. But the downside is that it has also become easier to develop things of destruction. The reports on TV every night seem to bombard us with bad news. And just recently war in the Middle East and riots throughout England have hit the news.
These things lead us to ask whether there will be any good news left for the future. Hope and peace seem distant.
How often do we ask ourselves about the things happening in the world? How about the never-ending suffering we see around us? The questions are endless.
In 1951, Gen. Douglas MacArthur once said regarding war: “I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more revolting. Men, since the beginning of time, have sought peace. Military alliances, balances of power, leagues of nations, all in turn failed, leaving the only path to be by way of the crucible of war. We have had our last chance. If we will not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door. It must be of the spirit if we are to save the flesh" (MacArthur, as cited in Aust, n. d.).
The constitution of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) says of peace: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” (Declaration of principles of international cultural co-operation, n. d.).
God has the earth in His hands. Yet, it is not He who causes pain and suffering, nor wars.
The original cause of war and its perpetuation is an actual individual, a fallen angel Scripture describes as “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). This chief demon, the devil, is also called Satan, a name that means “adversary.” Indeed, the Bible directly calls him our enemy. (1 Peter 5:8, New International Version)
It is through Satan’s murderous philosophy, influencing mankind’s selfish, carnal nature (James 4:1-3), that all wars are fought. Massive wars erupting during a time of “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) will devastate the earth and threaten mankind with extinction (verse 22). “Initiated by Satan through gullible and evil men, these wars will kill literally billions of people.” (Revelation 9:15-18) (Aust, n. d.).
But on the day when Jesus comes there will be hope. The world will then finally know peace beyond today. As “He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; 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 anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4) He will first put away human fighting and war (Revelation 19). Then He will put away the ultimate source of fighting and war, Satan and the demons (Revelation 20:1-3). The Lord is greater!
Indeed, the whole earth will be filled with His glory as the waters cover the oceans. (Isaiah 11:9) What a glorious time that will be!
References
Aust, Jerold (n .d.). World Peace: The Impossible Dream?
Retrieved August 12, 2011 from http://www.ucg.org/doctrinal-beliefs/world-peace-impossible-dream/
Declaration of principles of international cultural co-operation (n. d).
Retrieved August 12, 2011 from http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13147&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html