There is a determined effort politically to achieve some kind of lasting peace in the world. To accomplish this, the United States has sent envoys to almost every “hot spot.” These are noble endeavors and few would disagree the need for stability in what has become a rather chaotic world. The suffering undergone by humanity as some forcefully seek to gain power has permeated human history since its beginning. Yet, there continues to be personal and national conflict among mankind.

The subject of peace and conflict is recorded throughout Scripture as a historical reality. Man’s ability to produce a lasting peace and the continuing hostility that exists between people is evident. Jeremiah spoke to his nation concerning their capture and seventy years of captivity … “Do not lose heart or be afraid, when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler” (Jer 51:46 NIV). God’s discipline against idolatrous Judah would be severe but not devastating. He would preserve the Jews even in exile and bring them back into their land. “For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon; her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her” (Jer 51:47 NIV). God was faithful to His Word, and with their return, the Jewish people never indulged again in the idolatry of their neighboring nations.

However, though periods of domestic peace were possible, the continuing hostility of nations against Israel and their hatred of the Jews still reigned in the minds of many. Antisemitism, a key tool of Satan in his efforts to eliminate Israel and the Jewish people, has never ceased. This fact can only be explained and understood as one examines Scripture which identifies Israel as the conduit through which the Savior would come into the world, go to the Cross, and provide, to any and all who chose to believe in Him, a relationship with God for all eternity. The divinely inspired statement of John rings throughout the ages … “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17 NIV). 

The Savior that had been promised in the Garden, when Adam and Eve sinned against God and His coming, were described by Isaiah … “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” had come to pass.  Matthew would record in his gospel the instruction and encouragement given by God to Joseph regarding the supernatural pregnancy of Mary … “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:20-21 NIV).  

Satan had failed again to stop God’s plan to redeem mankind from the power-hold of sin. He would continue his hatred for Israel but now add to his sordid persona his disdain for the followers of Jesus, called Christians. Jesus warned of this and His words are still being fulfilled at the present time … “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19 NIV). “A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me” (John 16:2b-3 NIV).