This morning I was struck by a verse in Daniel concerning the future anti-christ who will deceive many by a means which seems counter-intuitive. And this is the grave deception, that peace and widespread prosperity is a Trojan horse of destruction. Daniel 8:25 says, “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” This passage reminded me the peace offered by the world leads to destruction, and it is nothing like the peace Jesus gives.
When the children of Dan sought to expand their lands by conquering territory, they took note of the people of Laish. Their manner of living was quiet and secure, for peace caused them to be complacent, soft target. They did not have any fortifications or defences because they sensed no scheme or attack. Judges 18:27 said the men of Dan consequently “…went to Laish, to a people quiet and secure; and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire.” This is a good example of how peace and absence of obvious threats works to the ruin of nations and people.
Jesus spoke of a rich man whose fields produced bountifully—more than he could store in his barns. He thought to himself, “I know what I will do! I will tear down my barns, build bigger ones, and be set for life. I can take my ease and retire in luxury.” Luke 12:20-21 tells us the response of God from the man who believed he had security in his wealth: “But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." A peaceful, prosperous season led to confidence in earthly riches and was more of a curse than a blessing.
In John 14:27 Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In addition to promising to send the Holy Spirit to comfort and help, He acknowledged His followers would be hated and persecuted. God’s people would be put out of synagogues and even killed for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. They weren’t to be unsettled or dismayed by this certain conflict, for the Prince of Peace (and princes) Jesus has given us peace free from trouble and fear. It is peace tried in the furnace of affliction and trial which refines us and our faith as gold. Enduring peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit who lives in us because we abide in Jesus Christ who is our life.
The peace the world gives leads to destruction, but the peace Jesus gives destroys all fear and provides rest for the weary in all seasons of life.
When the children of Dan sought to expand their lands by conquering territory, they took note of the people of Laish. Their manner of living was quiet and secure, for peace caused them to be complacent, soft target. They did not have any fortifications or defences because they sensed no scheme or attack. Judges 18:27 said the men of Dan consequently “…went to Laish, to a people quiet and secure; and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire.” This is a good example of how peace and absence of obvious threats works to the ruin of nations and people.
Jesus spoke of a rich man whose fields produced bountifully—more than he could store in his barns. He thought to himself, “I know what I will do! I will tear down my barns, build bigger ones, and be set for life. I can take my ease and retire in luxury.” Luke 12:20-21 tells us the response of God from the man who believed he had security in his wealth: “But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." A peaceful, prosperous season led to confidence in earthly riches and was more of a curse than a blessing.
In John 14:27 Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In addition to promising to send the Holy Spirit to comfort and help, He acknowledged His followers would be hated and persecuted. God’s people would be put out of synagogues and even killed for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. They weren’t to be unsettled or dismayed by this certain conflict, for the Prince of Peace (and princes) Jesus has given us peace free from trouble and fear. It is peace tried in the furnace of affliction and trial which refines us and our faith as gold. Enduring peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit who lives in us because we abide in Jesus Christ who is our life.
The peace the world gives leads to destruction, but the peace Jesus gives destroys all fear and provides rest for the weary in all seasons of life.
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