Peace That Breaks Down Every Wall.

Great Wave off Kanagawa

'For He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.' Ephesians 2:14

Most of us can instantly recognise the Japanese woodblock print, Katsushika Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa.' The raging tide and high waves in the forefront confront the viewer. Yet set in the background is the peace and tranquility of Mount Fiji, Japan's revered mountain. One art critic states that this wood-print 'gracefully distills the power of the ocean.' The serenity of a perfectly symmetrical, pristine snow capped Mount Fuji, calms the oceanic forces. 

These are very turbulent times. The Covid-19 pandemic caused severe disruptions to life and stability. The images of community protests and riots in the USA disturb the soul. There is fierce anger against racial discrimination, may be rightly so, but very destructive nonetheless. At such times when we look for peace, our minds conjure up the picture of the tsunami interpose with serene picture of Mount Fuji. Then, we wonder whether the waves will subside, in time, before they reach the shore and destroy everything. 

The Hebrew word Shalom for peace connotes a total and comprehensive well-being. It is peace with fullness, completeness; harmony in every way. A serenity which transcends all people and nations. But unfortunately, it is so elusive.

Perhaps the juxtaposing of a peaceful Mount Fuji against turbulent waves is no more than cynical expression of this impossibility. 

Jesus holds out the hope for peace. His birth ushered in this hope and His second coming will establish peace forever (Isaiah 9:6, 7a):

'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given

and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Might God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.'  

  

There will be everlasting peace, Isaiah 11:6-9:

'The wolf will live with the lamb,

the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together; 

and a little child will lead them.

The cow will feed with the bear,

their young will lie down together,

and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

The infant will play near the hole of the cobra

and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. 

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.'

There will be personal peace, John 14:7

'Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give you.

I do not give as the world gives.

Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.'

 

In turn,we are expected to become peacemakers and a blessing was pronounced 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God' Matthew 5:9. Start small, first with ourselves, then family, friends and colleagues. Expunge every prejudice. Endeavour to live out the prayer of St Francis, 'Make Me A Channel of Your Peace.' 

Lionel