My intention in reciting this passage is not to be political but to reiterate an everlasting truth: God’s kingdom is peace.  As His followers, He longs for us to usher in this kingdom of peace before Christ’s second coming.  We know that the pursuit of His kingdom is the “narrow path” that leads to life.  Sadly, many choose the broad path of destruction and, in turn, heap destruction upon others.  We are living in this present evil age, when the prince of darkness has been given authority over this earthly realm.  But yet, our Lord says in the present tense, “I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”  Even in these times of uncertainty, when chaos reigns and the darkness seems to blot out even a trace of light, our God is exalted.

How then shall this be accomplished, this exultation of our King among the nations?  Unlike earthly dictators, who rule by force, fear, and violence, God rules by persuasion, love, and peace.  He wins our hearts by wooing us, pursuing us with a Father’s love and passion for His glory to shine into the darkest corners of the earth.  He invites us to join Him in this mission by embodying His glory and sharing it with others.  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” (Isaiah 52:6-8)  How humbling it is to know that we are all called to this mission as Christ followers, that God chooses to use us, with all of our weaknesses, doubts, and narrow-mindedness, to proclaim His glory to all nations!  How comforting that the Lord of hosts is with us, working alongside us to proclaim His name to the nations.  That He is our fortress in the midst of war.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. (Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)