There are wars and rumors of war in every place on the globe. The recent conflict between North and South Korea brings to mind the Korean War and the threat of a new war there is yet another sobering reminder of the strife of human beings caused by sin. The affects of the Korean War (1950-1953) continue even today as North and South Korea are still divided, even after the end of the Cold War.
Bishop Jeremiah Park (the bishop of the NY Annual Conference), writes “Another war must never be repeated…as peace-loving people this is indeed the time to pray for God’s mercy, wisdom and guidance.”
During this time of Advent while we read the words of Isaiah that dream of a day when swords will become plowshares and spears are made into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:4) let us renew our efforts not only to pray but to wage peace in this world. Wherever we are in the world we can be agents of peace by helping to bring reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus is our “Prince of Peace” because he was willing to suffer and give his life for the cause of peace between God and people. Likewise, as his followers there is suffering involved in peace-making. Putting yourself in the middle of two warring factions is risky business. Do it anyway and in so doing you are ushering the day of the Lord and walking in the footsteps of the Lord.
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