Peace in the New Age of Trump
The Bridge of Peace. A Short Story
In a small village nestled between two hills, two groups of people had lived for generations—one on the east hill and the other on the west hill. Over time, they began to quarrel. The bridge that once connected their lands had been destroyed during one of their disputes, leaving only a wide river between them. Each side blamed the other for the broken bridge, and peace seemed impossible.
One day, a traveler named Jeshua arrived. He walked between the two hills, carrying only a small bag. His eyes were kind, and his words held wisdom that made even the children stop and listen.
Jeshua went to the east hill first. He gathered the people and said, “You have been angry for so long, but I tell you this: ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’” (Matthew 5:44). The villagers frowned at first, but his words stirred something in their hearts. They had never thought of praying for their neighbors on the west hill.
Then Jeshua climbed the west hill. He told the people, “If someone wrongs you, how often should you forgive them? Not just once or twice, but ‘up to seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21-22). The villagers murmured among themselves. Seventy-seven times? Could they truly forgive that much? Yet his words lingered in their minds.
The traveler then stood by the river where the broken bridge once stood. He called out so both sides could hear. “Through me, peace is possible. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” (Ephesians 2:14). The villagers from both hills gathered at the riverbank, hesitant but curious.
Jeshua knelt by the river and placed a piece of wood into the water. Suddenly, the rushing river stilled. The people gasped as the water became calm and clear. “This river has divided you for too long,” Jeshua said. “Let it remind you that through My peace, all things can be reconciled.” (Colossians 1:20).
The villagers stared at the calm water. Slowly, their anger gave way to a quiet understanding. They began speaking across the river, their words softer and kinder than before. For the first time in years, they listened to each other.
One man on the east hill shouted, “We could rebuild the bridge if we work together!” A woman on the west hill nodded. “Yes, let’s do it,” she said.
As the adults began discussing plans, the children overheard. “A new bridge?” a little boy asked, his eyes lighting up. “Then we can play with our friends again!” A girl on the west hill clapped her hands. “We miss playing tag and sharing stories!” The children’s excitement spread quickly, reminding the adults how much the divide had hurt even the youngest among them.
Moved by their children’s joy, the villagers began to gather tools and wood from both sides. They worked side by side, their hands and hearts united. The children eagerly pitched in, carrying small pieces of wood and cheering as the bridge began to take shape.
As the bridge neared completion, Jeshua reminded them, “A Child was born to bring you peace. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
When the bridge was finished, the villagers cheered. The children ran across it first, laughing and holding hands with their friends. The adults followed, sharing smiles and meals. The river no longer divided them. Instead, it became a symbol of what they had overcome.
Though Jeshua moved on, the villagers never forgot the words he spoke or the peace he inspired. They prayed for one another, forgave often, and worked together—proving that true peace begins in the heart and can build bridges for all generations.
Even though we have a new President of the United States that you may not have voted for....Peace...be still.
Jesus promoted peace because it reflects the heart of His mission and the nature of God’s kingdom. His teachings emphasized reconciliation, inner calm, and harmony among people as foundational principles for living in alignment with God. Here are some reasons why peace was central to Jesus’ message:
1. Restoration of Relationships
Jesus came to reconcile humanity with God (Colossians 1:20). Peace with God through forgiveness of sins is the cornerstone of Christian faith. By promoting peace, Jesus encouraged people to also reconcile with each other, healing broken relationships and fostering unity.
"and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."
2. Inner Peace
Jesus understood that true contentment comes from within. He offered peace that transcends circumstances, saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27). This peace calms fear and anxiety, providing strength during trials.
3. Modeling God’s Kingdom
In God’s kingdom, peace reigns (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus’ life and message reflected the ideal of living in harmony with others, which mirrors the heavenly order God desires for humanity.
"For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Messiah was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus’ teachings and actions, including His willingness to sacrifice Himself for humanity, fulfilled this role. By promoting peace, He affirmed His identity as the One sent by God to bring salvation.
"For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
5. Encouraging Love and Forgiveness
Peace fosters environments where love and forgiveness can thrive. Jesus taught that love for others, even enemies, was essential (Matthew 5:44). He advocated for resolving conflicts and forgiving others as God forgives (Matthew 18:21-22).
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Matthew 18:21-22
"Then Peter came up and said to Him, 'Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?'
Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.'"
6. Overcoming Division and Violence
In a world marked by political unrest and personal strife, Jesus’ call for peace was radical. He sought to replace cycles of vengeance with mercy and to dissolve barriers between people (Ephesians 2:14).
"For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall."
Ultimately, Jesus promoted peace because it reflects the essence of God's love for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection invite all to experience the profound, unshakable peace that comes from living in relationship with God.
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