Can We All Get Along?

The angel announced, “on earth peace, good will toward men,” according to Luke in the King James Version. Yet with perpetual discord around the world, peace does not appear coming soon.

The beating of Rodney King after an 8-mile high-speed chase triggered the infamous Los Angeles riots in 1992. During that chaotic week, King appeared on television pleading, “Can we all get along?” Good question, Rodney.

A day at Disney (Land or World) offers a few hours of dreamland peace – not counting the hefty entrance fee. Two weeks of the 2012 London Olympics brings us closer to our human idealism, as hundreds of thousands of athletes, paid workers and volunteers display the best of the best from 204 nations – though many of these nations are currently fighting each other.

The mystery of bringing the world together is beyond the Olympics, Disney parks and peace organizations – 266 and counting. Earthly peace is deeper than outlawing guns, curtailing nuclear killing devices, or banding together in a one-world hug fest. Observing an Earth Day, creating a green environment, or believing in yourself won’t cut it. Not even a decree from the Pope.

It was the mystery of the ages,  

but the mystery was forever solved.

From a prison cell Paul wrote, “… God gave the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me … And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. [Ephesians 3:2-6, New Living Translation]

God’s age-old mystery – mind-blowing for both Jews and Gentiles – was revealed to Paul who then explained it to the Ephesians. Simply, God was blending into one body the two warring segments of humanity – through one eternal mediator, Jesus Christ.  Now equals.  Brothers.  Christians.

No more need for accusing or excusing, shouting or shooting, bullying or bombing.  God’s answer to Rodney’s 1992 question, “Yes, we can all get along.” There can be peace between feuding people – in neighborhoods, nations and the universe. Through the Prince of Peace, who experienced false accusations, governmental injustice, and humiliating shame to make it possible for enemies to be brothers and enjoy the blessings of God together.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Christ for personally solving the mystery of the ages. We pause to share in two earthly elements – bread and fruit of the vine – emblematic pictures of the price paid for peace, first our peace with God and then with mankind.