DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS

" 'And I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the LORD of hosts." (Haggai 1:7)

The Desire of all nations. Throughout history, people have yearned for a savior – Someone who would bring peace to this troubled world. Sometimes it is a desire for a political figure who will bring peace to a divided nation. Sometimes it is the universal longing to live in a peaceful world, free from seeming unending war. Sometimes is for peace in family relationships.  Sometimes, it is just a person wanting to have inner peace in their hearts and lives. One of the great desires of humanity if for peace.

Throughout history people put their hopes upon someone or some institution that they thought would bring peace to the nations of the world. In Jesus' time, it was the Pax Romana – the Peace of Rome. But still there were wars. And eras in history are identified by the wars of the time. In the 20^th century, we've tried the League of Nations and the United Nations. But all the past hopes have been dashed. In 70 years, it seems that we are no closer to world peace than when the UN was organized. Still, the desire for peace resides in our hearts.

Christianity proclaims that there is One who brings peace. Listen to the pronouncement of the angelic messengers who announced the birth of the Lord Jesus – Peace on earth; goodwill to men. He did come and He brought us peace with God. He said, "My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you" (John 14:27). He also came into the world to bring peace. The greatest peace we can have is inward peace with God. As the Gaithers' song puts it, "It is finished, the battle is over. It is finished there will be no more war."

Who is this "Desire of all Nations?" It is the Lord Jesus – the one born in a stable, who lay in a manger, who died on a cross, and who rose again. This is the Desire of the Nations. He is the Prince of Peace that Isaiah spoke of (Isaiah 9:6) Who will not only bring peace to this trouble world, but He brings peace to the troubled heart.

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord – our Prince of Peace.

Love, Dad