Someone tallied that since 1990 nearly 50 wars have resulted in millions of people dying worldwide. Add to this millions more that are maimed or displaced trying to flee death. Beyond outright killings, millions more die from famine or suffer hunger, because rulers often use genocide as a weapon to get rid of people. We keep asking what is wrong with people in the world. Jesus said His people were to serve as salt and light, yet despite their efforts, violence continues both in our country and abroad. God offers peace with Him when we accept His Son; and He offers inner emotional peace as we trust Him. What eludes us is peace with each other. Still, we work for that day when all of God’s children will unite around His throne and give honor to Him and to His Son Jesus. The Apostle John described this scene in Revelation CH 7. He saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” It is because we know that day will come that we keep working for peace and justice today.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
