December 8, 2004

THE GOD OF PEACE

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you" (Romans 16:20, NIV).

The peace to which Paul refers in this declaration is not the inner peace that Christ imparts when the sinner is reconciled with God. Paul's reference is rather to the final universal reign of peace that will be ushered in when the final victory over the forces of evil is consummated. At the cross, God's promise in Genesis 3:15 met its partial fulfillment. Satan had bruised the heel of our Redeemer by the crucifixion. But on that triumphant Sunday, Jesus rose from the grave in resurrection power, thereby crushing the head of the serpent. Though mortally wounded, Satan like a roaring lion seeks to hurt and destroy God's people (see 1 Peter 5:8). It is always risky to cross the path of a wounded lion.

The apostle Paul confidently assures God's people that Christ is soon to inflict the final death blow to the wounded lion. When the God of peace finally administers the final death blow, our planet will be finally and permanently free from all forms of evil. Then will peace indeed flow like a river. All wars will cease and man will study war no more. Authentic peace will reign forever. Ethnic cleansing will end, and so will tribal hostility, class hatred, racial antagonism, domestic strife, and gender rivalry.

Then our planet will indeed be our Father's world, free from national frontiers, border guards, and check points. All the redeemed will live in harmony and peace under the righteous rule of the God of peace. Let us thank God for this assurance: "Christ conquered Satan in our behalf in the wilderness of temptation. He is mightier than Satan, and he will shortly bruise him under our feet."--Review and Herald, July 13, 1886.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I eagerly await the promised day when You will crush Satan and usher in the reign of peace. Amen.