“WORLD PEACE!” I remember as a young boy watching the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants and as they questioned the contestants about their future dreams, they always said that their goal was “world peace.” Unfortunately, that is an impossibility in a sin cursed world. At best, we can have the illusion of peace, and that is what we see as the first of 7 seals are opened in Revelation 6:1-2, “I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” (v2). This rider wears a “stephanos,” (a crown given as a prize) not a “diadem” (a royal crown). It is important to understand that this crown was given to the rider by the one who gave the scroll to Christ (God – Revelation 5:1). Before the terrors of the tribulation break loose and lead to the battle of Armageddon there will come a period of peace. But it will be a deceptive peace, as the world is lulled into a false sense of security followed by war, famine, and death. The world’s desperate desire for international peace will serve as the bait for the satanic trap. That longing for security and safety will play into the hands of the Antichrist, Satan’s ruler, who will convince the world that the antichrist can provide them. What does this mean for us? It is a reminder that peace does not come through men, it comes through our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Our peace is found in our hearts, and we are reminded in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (emphasis mine). God’s peace transcends world peace, it rules in our hearts on a daily basis. If you are longing for that peace, turn to the Savior who reconciles you to the Father. True external peace will not be seen or experienced in this life, but we can find rest from the circumstances of life.
