Remember the Peaceniks, a term coined in the early 60’s for pacifists who by reasons of conscience actively opposed military interventions or war? Unfortunately, after centuries of philosophical, religious, and political convictions and protestations about the evils of war, achieving peace still requires courageous action and sacrifice. It will always be costly, tentative, and often elusive. Our nation knows all too well that attaining and preserving the ability to make choices and to be free from oppression have extracted a very dear price, the precious blood of patriots.
Combating and conquering spiritual oppression was a grievious but crucial and divinely ordered event. Enslaved by sinful natures and at odds with God, we battle cosmic darkness and selfish desires but not without hope. God fought and won this costly battle for our souls at the cross upon which ironically the “Prince of Peace” gave his life for our peace. The prophet Isaiah predicted Christ’s supreme sacrifice as payment for humanity’s sins hundreds of years before Christ’s birth : “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Christ’s healing peace was announced in angelic song on the night he was born: “ Peace on Earth, good will toward men.” God’s love for us is so deep and enduring that there was no sacrifice too great for Him to have made to secure our spiritual freedom and peace. Through Christ’s shed blood, there is grace filled, merciful atonement for all our sins. Salvation, freedom from condemnation, victory over the powerful forces of evil, and confidence of eternal life are gifts for those who accept the truth of Christ, his redemptive work on the cross for us, and his glorious resurrection. He suffered the severest of consequences so we could have peace with God.
Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, inspired by John Newton’s story of God’s amazing grace toward him, wrote a wonderful hymn. The lyrics express God’s immeasurable kindness, patience and love that bought our freedom at heaven’s expense. The initial lyrics are:
“What love could remember no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more”
(His Mercy is More)
Our moral failures are great, but God’s mercy is greater.
It is worth googling the remaining lyrics or listening to them on YouTube.
Sweet Words from Maine 