“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —JOHN 16:33

The 20th Century has been one of the most tragic in history where the naked evils of Nazism under Hitler, and Communism, particularly under Stalin in Russia and Mao Zedong in China, were exposed and many millions of lives were lost. For the most part, that has imploded, but the 21st Century has opened to an obsession with international terrorism where there are no lines or demarcation and millions more live in fear.

Persecution of race, religion, political beliefs and of the weak and oppressed has left an indelible stain on the course of humanity throughout its history. There is, however, a natural moral law which states that although evil seems to dominate our world this natural law will bring it back to something better. The killing fields of Pol Pot could not survive. The exploitation of colonialism would have its fling for about a century and then collapse. The oppression of communism survived 60 or 70 years, and North Korea cannot survive in its present oppression. In due course, the natural law will correct the evils.

But it seems just as one evil diminishes another emerges. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” we do not have to scratch our heads and wonder what He was talking about, but we can certainly wonder why all the atrocities of war are taking place. James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:1-2). What does this tell you about the state of our world? It begins with the human heart and Scripture gives us a diagnosis of the heart. It is fallen, corrupt and in need of repair. The entire world is in need of a Saviour.

Millions have sacrificed their lives fighting valiantly for equality and freedom. We honour them on Remembrance Day. At the United Nations building in New York City, engraved on a plaque, is the passage from Micah 4:3, which says, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

All reconciliation to God, not just of humanity, but of all creation funnels through the cross of Christ. It is the pivotal moment in history whereby all God created will be restored to Him. That day has yet to come, but we can live with the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world and in Him, we stand on the side of victory.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for your work on the cross. I pray for peace in our world and look forward to the day when humanity will live as one.

TO REFLECT UPON: How is the state of the world affecting me and am I praying for peace?