World War 1 Is Finally Over!

Well, I guess you’re glad that, as of a couple of months ago, World War 1 is finally over. I know I am!

Of course…I, like you, learned in school that it ended in 1918 or 1919…but that’s not technically true. When Germany surrendered, as part of the peace treaty, they were forced to sign a “war guilt” clause that included a pledge to pay billions of Reichsmarks in reparations. They made their final payment in October.

In the Bible—Romans 8:7—we’re told that our sin nature is at war against God. It says, “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.” But God initiated a peace treaty that paid the debt of our “war guilt,” a debt that we could never pay on our own if we had a million lifetimes to live.

And at the center of this peace treaty is Jesus, born in Bethlehem, and called “the Prince of Peace.” I love Isaiah 9:6 that says, “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.”

Now, it wasn’t just his birth that brings peace to our lives…Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, died upon the Cross as full payment for our sin, and rose from the dead to give us eternal life! But His birth set into motion His earthly life that would climax upon Calvary’s Cross…and fulfill that angelic prophecy that said, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

As Jesus hung on the Cross, He made a statement that was heard throughout all time and space. He said, “It is finished!” That’s literally an accounting term that means “Paid in full.” He made the final payment for our sin then and there.

Another thought along this line: We’ve always heard about some soldier stranded on a deserted island unaware the war has ended, still fighting the battles even though he no longer has to. That’s the way many people are living their lives today. If that's you, stop fighting. Realize that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has signed the Peace Treaty in His own blood, providing peace to all who will receive it.