Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. – John 14:27 (NIV)
THE WORLD is in a state of great uncertainty and anxiety. After the election of Donald Trump, there have been mass protests all over the United States. Protesters were venting their disapproval of his election and expressing their fear of the potential outcome of his presidency.
Most Americans are nervous and fearful and have lost that peace that transcends all political unrest, instability and global challenges.
Many world leaders are also anxious and are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of Trump’s presidency. Not just in the USA, but all across the world, mankind is craving that peace, not knowing that only the true Prince of Peace, Jesus, is the answer to their craving.
The prophet Isaiah heralded Him in Isaiah 9: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
So while Mr Trump will hold his presidential office for four years, Jesus holds His office forever: “Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.” Jesus was not elected; He’s crowned with dominion and rules forever.
Jesus our Jehovah
Our Prince of Peace rules with love and justice. Trump has promised to be “the greatest jobs president that God ever created”; Jesus has promised and is our Jehovah Jireh.
On immigration, Trump has called for “a complete and total shutdown of Muslims entering the USA until the country can figure out what’s going on”.
Jesus has promised that He will love the whole world, (for God so loved the world; that He gave . . . ) regardless of race. Trump will crack down on illegal immigration by “building a big, fat, beautiful wall between the USA and Mexico”; Jesus has promised to be the way maker.
Here in Barbados, we have celebrated our 50th anniversary of Independence while grappling with water woes, sewage problems, gun violence among our youth and the constant fear of the looming International Monetary Fund and its policies. Do we need to fear the present circumstances and the unknown future? Remember that fear takes away our peace and our reliance on God, who has promised to be with us always.
On that first Christmas morning the angels declared: “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.” I hasten to remind all Barbadians and visitors that this Jesus whom we now celebrate, this Prince of Peace, is the same God of whom we sing in our National Anthem: “The Lord has been the people’s guide for past three hundred years; With Him still on the people’s side we have no doubts or fears”.
So despite the negative global forecast and the sense of foreboding among us; fear not! Receive His peace! He is still the God of Barbados; on this, we will not compromise. Be assured that in the midst of any storm and on the threshold of a new year, He will bless us with His comforting and everlasting peace.
Shalom! And have a very blessed Christmas 2016.
