JEREMIAH 6:14

“They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, Peace!’ when there is no peace.”

On Wake Island in 1950, President Truman said to Gen. Douglas MacArthur, “I want only three words as my epitaph–‘He Brought Peace.'” That was certainly a worthy and noble ambition, yet how elusive and disappointing the hope! Since the days of Truman, the United States has been involved in two major military actions, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, plus numerous smaller skirmishes. The desire for peace has been admirable, but so far it’s only been wishful thinking.

The leaders of Israel also had high hopes of peace. The prophets and priests announced that God would keep them safe (Jer. 28:2). Israel would not be pulled into the conflict around them. They would not fall victim to the advancing Babylonian army.

Yet it was all wishful thinking. By 605 B.C. Babylon occupied Judah, and in 586 B.C. the armies of Nebuchadnezzar besieged and overthrew Jerusalem (39:1-10). The majority of people were carried into captivity and their hopes for peace, fueled by the false claims of their leaders, turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

God offers a peace that is more than wishful thinking–it’s a reality. This is not a peace, however, between opposing armies. Instead, it’s a peace treaty between ourselves and Him. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, the hostility between God and us is put to rest.

The apostle Paul says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

If you have that peace with God today, give thanks. No one can take it away from you. No matter what your circumstances are, your peace with Him will never change. If you don’t have that peace through Christ, you can receive it by surrendering your life to Jesus and accepting the payment of His shed blood at Calvary to atone for your sins. And that’s not just wishful thinking–that’s reality!

DON’T SETTLE FOR WISHFUL THINKING; MAKE PEACE IN YOUR HEART A REALITY.

WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in