September 12 Divided Hearts

Revelation 6:3-4 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
 
ONE result of sin is the division that arises within people’s hearts within families, communities and nations. The very first sin was God’s children turning their hearts from God’s law to seek their own reward. The first murder was Cain’s jealous heart killing his brother Abel. Genesis relates also the division in Noah’s family after the flood and the conflicts that arise in Abraham’s, Isaac’s and Jacob’s families. The Old Testament also tells of the Hebrew nation dividing into 10 nations to form Israel and two nations to create Judah.
    Heart strife also afflicts the church and its members. People pridefully oppose one other. We completely disregard God’s healing command, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34b)  
    In this Scripture, God reveals civil strife leads to bloody destruction. The fiery red horse is an image of bloody battle. Its sword-wielding rider will cause men to “slay each other” as they war against one another. Yes, this is another grim picture of sin. We must see it. We must know Jesus’ own blood is the single sure way to peace in our hearts and in the world.
    Do you wonder, “Where is peace?” Then know the answer is mankind’s sin-divided heart. Regardless of how many peace treaties are signed and promises of unity spoken, there will be no lasting peace until Christ returns.
    This bloody image is very distressful because it is real. The toll of human carnage throughout history is uncountable. Yet, this affirms why we need Jesus. Only when Christ returns will we see the fulfillment of the angels proclamation in Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and  on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
    But as wars rage, may your heart be at peace. Rejoice in the Lord’s ultimate promise of peace on earth. Give thanks that he has come to demonstrate his love for you. Know the blessing that you may live in love with God and with one another forever.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your promise of peace for our eternal souls. Amen.