At the end of my tour of the Holy Land in 2000, the man who ran the tour company climbed onto our bus and shared a few words to us. He gave us all replica medallions of an early century cross. Then before departing our bus he asked us to pray for peace in the middle east. He lamented the strife and turmoil of his land. And told us the only hope for true peace was not a cessation of hostilities through governmental agreements. He said the only hope for true peace was through Jesus. I learned later that he was an Arab Christian living in Jerusalem. He had come to know Christ as His personal Lord and Savior.
I've been thinking a lot about the message the angel brought to the shepherds in light of all the conflict continuing in the middle east. There isn't a lot of joy. There isn't a lot of good news. And there certainly isn't a lot of peace. Efforts throughout the region to quell the fighting have only been temporary. Before long the hatred spills over into killing and it escalates all over again. I think my friend is right. Unless there is an inner change that only comes through Christ, the warring will continue.
The middle east could use some good news. I mean real good news. Jesus needs to return to the region. Despite all the relics and places and history of that sacred land that points to God, His presence seems so far away. Just like Jesus wept over Jerusalem while He was on earth, I'm sure His tears are uncontrollable today. God's heart has to be breaking.
As much as the middle east needs some good news that will bring true peace, I'm afraid we need it in our lives too. Everywhere I look around me I see strife and conflict and assassinations (of character) and warring. Relationships are struggling. Marriages are failing. Parents and children, siblings war with one another. We need Christ to come.
God, send the angel(s) with the good news. Send your messengers with the hope of Good News in Jesus. May hearts be open to His true message of peace.
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