God's Peace Plan

"Now all these things are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Do Something, lyrics by Matthew West

I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how'd we ever get so far down
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"

In an increasingly violent Middle East men, women and children are in complete despair and devastation. Thousands are fleeing their ancient homelands. Even Muslims are rejecting the Al Qaeda, etc. version of Islam where human rights are trampled on, past agreements are disregarded and historical sites are obliterated. How will the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia ever recover?

We know that God humbled himself and lived among us. Jesus demonstrated God's holiness, power, justice, and love for 33 years. And he said "Do likewise..." In answer to his question to God "Why don't you do something?" Matthew West continues, "I did, I made you..." We are his hands and feet. Amazing that God gives us such an important role!

We know that Its man's sin--selfishness, pride and rebellion that has put him on a collision course with one another and with God. His peace plan has you and I in it so that we can proclaim that through Jesus' death and resurrection one can be made right with God and others. We are the 'boots on the ground' to declare and demonstrate this message.

"Nobody wants us" bemoaned a Palestinian family who found refuge in Canada. "Everyone hates us." Another Palestinian woman was overwhelmed when a Christian family met them at the airport and said "Welcome! I felt like I finally belonged." This is what brought her and her family to faith in Jesus.

A creative group of students from my alma matter(Moody Bible Institute) offered 'free prayer' on the streets of Chicago! Praying with Muslims is certainly something we can do. Our words are comforting. Prayer is key since the battle is ultimately in the "heavenly realms", "against evil rulers...mighty powers of darkness..." as Ephesians 6:12 tells us. One thing for sure, what the world needs is peace and we are instructed to pray for peace.

War Memorial, Ottawa

November of this year marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with Belgium, France, Britain and Germany standing together in a spirit of reconciliation. Millions of people died in the brutal war fought from 1914-18. Rather than seeking for revenge, they laid down their arms a long time ago and now live together in peace and harmony. This kind of attitude certainly pleases God.

I have a few believer friends from Muslim background who are often deeply troubled and when we pray in Jesus name, you can feel peace literally settling down into the room. Its like a picture of a contented and soothed baby in the arms of its mother.

Some may ask, "Isn't this dangerous to be involved on such a personal level with Muslims"? Perhaps in some places. Much is at stake if we as a church of Jesus Christ remain unengaged. Now is not the time to retreat and remain idle. I want to be where God is at work.

Dear Lord, please show me what part I have in your peace plan. Amen.