Former Vice President, turned environmentalist, Al Gore, has received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts on global climate control. The prize, first awarded in 1901, is given each year on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel.
In his acceptance speech, Gore declared, "Now, we and the Earth's climate are locked in a relationship familiar to war planners: 'Mutually assured destruction.'" Then getting more personal, he said, "The United States and China - the world's leading emitters of greenhouse gases - will stand accountable before history if they don't take the lead in that global challenge." Gore continued by saying, "It is time to make peace with the planet."
The jury is still out on whether or not global warming is for real or prompted by mankind rather than natural forces, as some claim. But one thing is for certain, there was a time when peace was made with our planet, but in a way far more crucial than anything dealing with our physical world.
The subject of peace runs throughout the Bible from the Old Testament to the New. God's Word is crystal clear about man's accountability before a holy God and his dire need of making peace with Him.
In Colossians chapter one, we read how spiritual peace has come to our planet through Jesus Christ. Verse 19 says, "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Then Romans 5:1 expands on that concept and hones in on the potential reality of a repaired union between God and man. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ".
Along with securing a heavenly future, those in Christ also can enjoy the amazing level of comfort and stability in this life as spoken of in John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
The material world is a blessed gift from a loving God. It is a treasure only surpassed by the matchless love for mankind by the Creator who made it. It should never be taken for granted or intentionally misused.
In just two weeks after the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, much of the world will celebrate the coming of the one who created all things and who divided human history. As the God-Man, Christ's stunning incarnation and His subsequent death provided the staggering gift of redemption and peace with God. His miraculous coming, His lofty titles, and His lasting impact can all be seen in a portion of that great Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah - so often cited at this most significant time of the year.
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,"
The time may indeed be short on earth for man to make peace, not just with his environment, but with the great Emmanuel - which is translated, "God with us."
Bill Breckenridge
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