The theme of the Bible is Peace-harmony between God-man and man-man. God spoke to the nations through the prophet Isaiah in the 8th century BC. Absence of peace amounts to strife, violence and chaotic condition of human society. People of his days longed for harmony as we do long for the same today. Isaiah lamented and called upon nations to come to the source of harmony knowing that there was no place and nation where a man could find peace without a source since it is a matter of relationship with God as water begins from a fountain.
Historical Setting
Israel is a location and a nation always tossed and compressed from the inception of biblical history. When a nation is blessed by God, it is not free from attacks and claim for possession of enemies. Always Israel was sandwiched from all directions of world power such as Egypt, Babylon, Assyria; and in later stage, Greek and Roman empire. War and battle, and victory was the life of the Israel nation.
Israel was surrounded by a cloud of contending nations and tribes such as Philistines, Jebusites, Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Gibeonites and such other surrounding tribes. They were threats to each other like characteristics of opposing animals as stated by him (Is 11:6-9). The occupation of the Jews in Canaan became a threat of the nations around. But God has a purpose in keeping this chosen nation in this location (Gen 12:1-11). This nation has not been free from constant territorial challenge and confrontations. Therefore, the Psalmist longed for peace and called upon the people to pray for peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6).
In the middle age or 11th century, Jerusalem was the target of the crusades in which process many people died. The purpose of the crusaders was to liberate the Holy Land from occupation of Muslims. Series of crusade were conducted using swords and military forces. Coming to modern day, Israel is a restless nation having internal fracture with Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Palestinian issue, and external bitterness from Hezbollah, Lebanon and Iran. The nation became independent in 1948 as Israel. But it is a war footing nation since its freedom having wars with surrounding nations in 1948, ‘56, ‘67, ’73, ’82-85, 2006 and Gaza war in 2009. It has repeated military engagement with external attacks and invasions. Despite political treaty, resolution and swaps, the lasting peace is the need of the nation.
The declaration of the prophet Isaiah about the coming of lasting harmony under the leadership of the Prince of Peace was the longing in the nerve of the nation throughout different stages. It is applied to the Christians since they are the new Israel in Jesus Christ. Perhaps people of other faiths (religions) have similar declaration and prayer for an unending peace recorded in their scriptures, expecting it to come from their religious founders. For the Christians, the prophecy of harmony under the arm of the Prince of Peace is fulfilled in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an authentic historicity. The need is ‘it is to be fully realized for practice.’
Scope of Harmony
Various views are interpreted regarding the coming of lasting harmony from the Immanuel. The danger is in misinterpretation of the messianic prophecy. The followings can clarify doubted minds and give understanding in proper perspective.
Jewish perspective
The Jewish nation viewed the messianic prophecy absolutely in the context of the theology of Jewish nationalism and in terms of national liberation. They expected the Messiah to come to set them free, liberating them from wars and troubles of other nations hunting them. That means, a national messiah to come into their support, eliminating others. The Jews still today expect the same national messiah to appear on their side. It is sad that they fail to recognize that the Messiah has come in the incarnate God.
Accommodative perspective
A middle east person can view the prophecy is his own perspective, so an Asian, a Korean expecting unification of the two nations, Indians of caste system, and a Naga looking for a basis of unification of differences. Similarly, there were various schools of thought existing in the Jewish theological circle. For instance, the law teacher Gamaliel viewed socio-religious circumstances from accommodative standpoint (Acts 5:33-40). Many Jewish thinkers and scholars viewed the prophecy of unity under the Prince of Peace in the context of unification of Jews, Palestinians, Jordanians, and surrounding tribes across that region. It means an expectation of peace and unity of Jews and their territorial and contiguous nations. Sadly, this is not yet happened till today.
Global perspective
The world with its nations is God’s creation. God will not forget the content of the world while loving Israel alone because the light has gone to all nations (Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47). Peace and harmony prophesied certainly refers to the global harmony if nations can accept the Messiah, Prince of Peace. In the grace of God, different human skin colors, cultures, locations, languages, and distance are not the issue. God gives sciences to man not to destroy but to preserve and promote humanity. Nations of different status can be compared with those characteristics of animals recorded in Isaiah 11:6-9.
The ruling principles of the Prince of Peace are wisdom and understanding, justice and equality, righteousness and faithfulness (Is 11:2-5). Our human world is in problem of division and hatred simply in the absence of implementation of such principles in action. And these principles can be the standards of a tribe, society and a nation only when the leaders and the people can faithfully follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Christian perspective
Certainly the principle of harmony and unity relate to Christian body. But today many Christians and churches replace the wish of the Prince of Peace with their denominations and church status-quo and statuesque, competition, projection and even tribal glory. The Bible proves that heaven is the same place for all those who believe, genuine believers. The greatest in heaven are those who humble (Luke 9:48). Churches and denominations can live together in harmony if the characteristics of tiger, bear, lion, viper and serpent and cobra of human life can be replaced with the principles of Jesus Christ such as humility, loving and caring, a spirit of one family in Christ, and supportive attitude. Let there be oneness of the believers under the Prince of Peace.
Eschatological perspective
The perfect harmony and unity pertain to the final day of the Lord. The Kingdom of God
is the leveler of all differences. O, what a great loss it would be if you miss it! The light of God will replace solar or artificial light. The gates keep open always since there will be no more threats of robbery, burglary, demand, threat and extortion, AK rifles, terrorizing, threat of nations, blast or blow, and no more appearance of suspicious people. Christians journey towards that destiny. But the Bible assures us (Matt 7:21) that all who say ‘Lord, Lord, will not enter that place but only those who do what God told us to do.’
Roadmap to Harmony
The old community consists of different sizes of animals of teeth for biting, venom for poisoning, claws for scratching, horns for fighting, legs and feet for kicking and capability for killing and devouring. It is unimaginable that the animals could live together in that old campus. The campus is symbolic of human societies, nations an tribes. But they become a harmless new community under the rule of the Prince of Peace. The chief character is harmless and humility. God can do this miracle by His power. The old dictator is overrun by the new Ruler. They become different and harmless when they surrender and obey the Prince of Peace. Certainly, each of them becomes an agent of the transformation.
Peace and harmony can prevail only when the contending groups are willing to invite peace. In process, there is a basis. An ulterior motive as the basis will have no end. But strife can come to an end if the roadmap will focus on:
(1) Jesus Christ. The generic questions to consider are:
Am I pleasing God and making Jesus happy in this?
Am I doing this as a believer?
Am I witnessing for Christ?
(2) Building Generation. You are an architect for generation.
Do I bring curse to my generation and generations to come?
Am I setting good examples and value for youth to follow?
Do I lay a foundation for future generations?
(3) Social Health. Pertaining issues are:
Am I a positive and constructive man to my society?
What am I doing for building a healthy community?
Am I contributing to the growth of social health?
(4) Global participation. It is a small world with you.
Is what I am doing good for human society?
Am I a blessing to humanity as a believer of Christ?
What can I do better if what other religions do are appreciated?
I will not be a bone of contention to my human world.
(5) Mission of peace. Mission of peace and harmony need you too.
Am I saving life or killing?
Am I participating in transformation against social evils?
Do I reflect the character of my Savior Jesus?
I can be a candle light in a dark corner of the world.
Roadmap to peace and harmony is a matter of heart with God that involves the type of words that proceed out from mouth, action of hands, attitudes that heal or hurt, the type of relationship and behavior that contribute to the total value of human life. Harmony is a common property in which imposition of a suppressive and repressive will has no room. Marriage vow is a good analogy and methodology for building a good harmony. Both of the two persons will declare a covenant of ‘forsaking the old and accepting the new.’ Likewise, harmony is a matter of common wealth.
Keys to Peace
Christians are the people who are conscious of the word of God and live according to what we learn from the Bible. The power that changes thousand and million people around the world can also change you if you want to listen to the followings and apply:
• We are created in God’s image (Gen 1:26,27). We must live the way He wants us to live.
• The purpose of our life is to do good work for God and people (Eph 2:10).
Forgiveness in excruciating pain (Luke 23:34). ‘Forgive them’ said Jesus on the cross.
• Second thought before action (Matt 7:12). ‘Do to them as you wish them do to you.’
• Love has no hatred (Matt 22:39; John 13:34,35). We are told to love our neighbors.
• Need of humility and respect for others (Phi 2:3,4). Placing others higher and better.
• Work keeps out evil thoughts. Our God is a working God (John 5:17). So, Jesus Christ.
• A life of light as salt and light can transform a dark corner of the world (Matt 5:13,14).
• There is someone weaker that needs your help. Strength is a gift of God (Rom 15:1,2).
• God has not charged us as we get from Him. Give as you receive freely (Matt 10:8).
• Life speaks louder than volumes of words (Matt 5:15). The way you live matters.
• Peaceful living is a sign of honesty. Live in harmony with others (Rom 12:16).
• The orbit of our life is our relationship with God (John 15:5-8). The danger is when it falls out of its orbit.
Bearing for the Nagas
There is no place where a human community is free of brawl and decadent social condition. But as a land of churches, regardless denominations, Nagaland can make a unique difference. As a land of Christians, regardless various political platforms and agenda, our people must learn the strength of unity and synergy, and work together towards a safety future landing. Christians must firmly stand together in the name and power of God to fight off human and social evils. Our land has contracted sickening diseases of the world with syndromes of social, economic, political and spiritual standstill. Everybody senses it with a question of ‘who will do it?’ It is you and all.
A New Basket of Crabs
Watching a basket of crabs, it needs no cover because the crabs themselves keep each other from climbing. The crabs refer to their sharp finger needles. The good part is ‘they blindly pull each other down,’ not intentionally or with a purpose. Some human societies are no better than such a basket. Our daily news papers and public centers are like such a basket of crabs. Sitting at home, a reader watches the basket of clash and conflict of political ideologies and opinions. Decisions are criticized and are subject to questions and rejection. Young minds are poisoned and thwarted. They rather need a positive direction and vision as leaders of our tomorrow.
It is time for us to turn our eyes to Jesus with a humble heart for new thing to happen. God called upon nations to seek Him and live (Amos 5:4-6), not going to Bethel, Gilgal or Beersheba. For decades and years Nagas are longing for a lasting peace and harmony thinking that it may come from some external solution or from somewhere. Where is this ‘somewhere’? The Lord Jesus implied keeping a house in order (Matt 12:25; Mk 3:25; Lk 11:17 cf Is 38:1) on a good foundation (Matt 7: 24-27) by reconciling with own brothers before the next agenda (Matt 7:24, 25).
A New Integrated Synergy
When the deadly parts of the animals are defused and acidified there will be a new merger of harmony formed with a spectrum of potential and capability from the respective animals. For instance, the harmony now is a component of subtlety, swiftness and maneuverability of the animals without harming and hurting each other, rather maximizing the strength of the body. In the same way, God wants to use our ability and gifting for His purpose if we can give up our old nature of egoism.
As Christians, the Nagas will become stronger and powerful if we are willing to disarm our old stuffs and probe into new vision under the rule of the Counselor, Emmanuel, and the Prince of Peace. He is the source of human harmony and peace if his principles are accepted and put into action. New thing will happen only when we are willing to deactivate our old vocabularies, pride, divisive agenda, self-center mindset, thievery and manipulative skills. New thing will come when we put new wine into new wine skins. Smiling faces will begin only if we are willing to bury and bring to an end our old habits and attachments such as a lazy hand, a stealing, cheap and shortcut mindset, food without sweat, bullet of AK 47 rifle and pistol habit, bloodshed, threat and extortion, and other detrimental and subversive strategies. With God, there are better ways than these habits.
Christian faith goes far beyond Sunday worships. Everyday is a Sunday and like Christmas day for the believers in terms of our relationship with God and practical living. The need of our land is eradication of famine of truth, getting rid off of old content and inviting new things. The need is a positive mind, a working hand, an encouraging word, a listening ear, a supportive attitude, hand to mouth principle, truth based communication, a supportive role model, a healthy relationship, a helping mindset, a participation in social health, and a heart for success beyond survival level.
Wave of earthquakes are natural and caused by seismic movements. But more devastating, severe famine, and greater human loss is ‘when truth is gone, when honesty is over, and when righteousness is fossilized.’ Because these are the secrets of harmony and peace. A nation is budding up again when these qualities become the pillars of the foundation. Peace and harmony starts from your heart when you are settled within yourself. It is peace and harmony when your heart is free from inner hurt, fracture and fear. May there be peace on earth. May the application and bearing of Christmas be Peace within you and lasting Harmony in our land.
Historical Setting
Israel is a location and a nation always tossed and compressed from the inception of biblical history. When a nation is blessed by God, it is not free from attacks and claim for possession of enemies. Always Israel was sandwiched from all directions of world power such as Egypt, Babylon, Assyria; and in later stage, Greek and Roman empire. War and battle, and victory was the life of the Israel nation.
Israel was surrounded by a cloud of contending nations and tribes such as Philistines, Jebusites, Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Gibeonites and such other surrounding tribes. They were threats to each other like characteristics of opposing animals as stated by him (Is 11:6-9). The occupation of the Jews in Canaan became a threat of the nations around. But God has a purpose in keeping this chosen nation in this location (Gen 12:1-11). This nation has not been free from constant territorial challenge and confrontations. Therefore, the Psalmist longed for peace and called upon the people to pray for peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6).
In the middle age or 11th century, Jerusalem was the target of the crusades in which process many people died. The purpose of the crusaders was to liberate the Holy Land from occupation of Muslims. Series of crusade were conducted using swords and military forces. Coming to modern day, Israel is a restless nation having internal fracture with Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Palestinian issue, and external bitterness from Hezbollah, Lebanon and Iran. The nation became independent in 1948 as Israel. But it is a war footing nation since its freedom having wars with surrounding nations in 1948, ‘56, ‘67, ’73, ’82-85, 2006 and Gaza war in 2009. It has repeated military engagement with external attacks and invasions. Despite political treaty, resolution and swaps, the lasting peace is the need of the nation.
The declaration of the prophet Isaiah about the coming of lasting harmony under the leadership of the Prince of Peace was the longing in the nerve of the nation throughout different stages. It is applied to the Christians since they are the new Israel in Jesus Christ. Perhaps people of other faiths (religions) have similar declaration and prayer for an unending peace recorded in their scriptures, expecting it to come from their religious founders. For the Christians, the prophecy of harmony under the arm of the Prince of Peace is fulfilled in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an authentic historicity. The need is ‘it is to be fully realized for practice.’
Scope of Harmony
Various views are interpreted regarding the coming of lasting harmony from the Immanuel. The danger is in misinterpretation of the messianic prophecy. The followings can clarify doubted minds and give understanding in proper perspective.
Jewish perspective
The Jewish nation viewed the messianic prophecy absolutely in the context of the theology of Jewish nationalism and in terms of national liberation. They expected the Messiah to come to set them free, liberating them from wars and troubles of other nations hunting them. That means, a national messiah to come into their support, eliminating others. The Jews still today expect the same national messiah to appear on their side. It is sad that they fail to recognize that the Messiah has come in the incarnate God.
Accommodative perspective
A middle east person can view the prophecy is his own perspective, so an Asian, a Korean expecting unification of the two nations, Indians of caste system, and a Naga looking for a basis of unification of differences. Similarly, there were various schools of thought existing in the Jewish theological circle. For instance, the law teacher Gamaliel viewed socio-religious circumstances from accommodative standpoint (Acts 5:33-40). Many Jewish thinkers and scholars viewed the prophecy of unity under the Prince of Peace in the context of unification of Jews, Palestinians, Jordanians, and surrounding tribes across that region. It means an expectation of peace and unity of Jews and their territorial and contiguous nations. Sadly, this is not yet happened till today.
Global perspective
The world with its nations is God’s creation. God will not forget the content of the world while loving Israel alone because the light has gone to all nations (Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47). Peace and harmony prophesied certainly refers to the global harmony if nations can accept the Messiah, Prince of Peace. In the grace of God, different human skin colors, cultures, locations, languages, and distance are not the issue. God gives sciences to man not to destroy but to preserve and promote humanity. Nations of different status can be compared with those characteristics of animals recorded in Isaiah 11:6-9.
The ruling principles of the Prince of Peace are wisdom and understanding, justice and equality, righteousness and faithfulness (Is 11:2-5). Our human world is in problem of division and hatred simply in the absence of implementation of such principles in action. And these principles can be the standards of a tribe, society and a nation only when the leaders and the people can faithfully follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Christian perspective
Certainly the principle of harmony and unity relate to Christian body. But today many Christians and churches replace the wish of the Prince of Peace with their denominations and church status-quo and statuesque, competition, projection and even tribal glory. The Bible proves that heaven is the same place for all those who believe, genuine believers. The greatest in heaven are those who humble (Luke 9:48). Churches and denominations can live together in harmony if the characteristics of tiger, bear, lion, viper and serpent and cobra of human life can be replaced with the principles of Jesus Christ such as humility, loving and caring, a spirit of one family in Christ, and supportive attitude. Let there be oneness of the believers under the Prince of Peace.
Eschatological perspective
The perfect harmony and unity pertain to the final day of the Lord. The Kingdom of God
is the leveler of all differences. O, what a great loss it would be if you miss it! The light of God will replace solar or artificial light. The gates keep open always since there will be no more threats of robbery, burglary, demand, threat and extortion, AK rifles, terrorizing, threat of nations, blast or blow, and no more appearance of suspicious people. Christians journey towards that destiny. But the Bible assures us (Matt 7:21) that all who say ‘Lord, Lord, will not enter that place but only those who do what God told us to do.’
Roadmap to Harmony
The old community consists of different sizes of animals of teeth for biting, venom for poisoning, claws for scratching, horns for fighting, legs and feet for kicking and capability for killing and devouring. It is unimaginable that the animals could live together in that old campus. The campus is symbolic of human societies, nations an tribes. But they become a harmless new community under the rule of the Prince of Peace. The chief character is harmless and humility. God can do this miracle by His power. The old dictator is overrun by the new Ruler. They become different and harmless when they surrender and obey the Prince of Peace. Certainly, each of them becomes an agent of the transformation.
Peace and harmony can prevail only when the contending groups are willing to invite peace. In process, there is a basis. An ulterior motive as the basis will have no end. But strife can come to an end if the roadmap will focus on:
(1) Jesus Christ. The generic questions to consider are:
Am I pleasing God and making Jesus happy in this?
Am I doing this as a believer?
Am I witnessing for Christ?
(2) Building Generation. You are an architect for generation.
Do I bring curse to my generation and generations to come?
Am I setting good examples and value for youth to follow?
Do I lay a foundation for future generations?
(3) Social Health. Pertaining issues are:
Am I a positive and constructive man to my society?
What am I doing for building a healthy community?
Am I contributing to the growth of social health?
(4) Global participation. It is a small world with you.
Is what I am doing good for human society?
Am I a blessing to humanity as a believer of Christ?
What can I do better if what other religions do are appreciated?
I will not be a bone of contention to my human world.
(5) Mission of peace. Mission of peace and harmony need you too.
Am I saving life or killing?
Am I participating in transformation against social evils?
Do I reflect the character of my Savior Jesus?
I can be a candle light in a dark corner of the world.
Roadmap to peace and harmony is a matter of heart with God that involves the type of words that proceed out from mouth, action of hands, attitudes that heal or hurt, the type of relationship and behavior that contribute to the total value of human life. Harmony is a common property in which imposition of a suppressive and repressive will has no room. Marriage vow is a good analogy and methodology for building a good harmony. Both of the two persons will declare a covenant of ‘forsaking the old and accepting the new.’ Likewise, harmony is a matter of common wealth.
Keys to Peace
Christians are the people who are conscious of the word of God and live according to what we learn from the Bible. The power that changes thousand and million people around the world can also change you if you want to listen to the followings and apply:
• We are created in God’s image (Gen 1:26,27). We must live the way He wants us to live.
• The purpose of our life is to do good work for God and people (Eph 2:10).
Forgiveness in excruciating pain (Luke 23:34). ‘Forgive them’ said Jesus on the cross.
• Second thought before action (Matt 7:12). ‘Do to them as you wish them do to you.’
• Love has no hatred (Matt 22:39; John 13:34,35). We are told to love our neighbors.
• Need of humility and respect for others (Phi 2:3,4). Placing others higher and better.
• Work keeps out evil thoughts. Our God is a working God (John 5:17). So, Jesus Christ.
• A life of light as salt and light can transform a dark corner of the world (Matt 5:13,14).
• There is someone weaker that needs your help. Strength is a gift of God (Rom 15:1,2).
• God has not charged us as we get from Him. Give as you receive freely (Matt 10:8).
• Life speaks louder than volumes of words (Matt 5:15). The way you live matters.
• Peaceful living is a sign of honesty. Live in harmony with others (Rom 12:16).
• The orbit of our life is our relationship with God (John 15:5-8). The danger is when it falls out of its orbit.
Bearing for the Nagas
There is no place where a human community is free of brawl and decadent social condition. But as a land of churches, regardless denominations, Nagaland can make a unique difference. As a land of Christians, regardless various political platforms and agenda, our people must learn the strength of unity and synergy, and work together towards a safety future landing. Christians must firmly stand together in the name and power of God to fight off human and social evils. Our land has contracted sickening diseases of the world with syndromes of social, economic, political and spiritual standstill. Everybody senses it with a question of ‘who will do it?’ It is you and all.
A New Basket of Crabs
Watching a basket of crabs, it needs no cover because the crabs themselves keep each other from climbing. The crabs refer to their sharp finger needles. The good part is ‘they blindly pull each other down,’ not intentionally or with a purpose. Some human societies are no better than such a basket. Our daily news papers and public centers are like such a basket of crabs. Sitting at home, a reader watches the basket of clash and conflict of political ideologies and opinions. Decisions are criticized and are subject to questions and rejection. Young minds are poisoned and thwarted. They rather need a positive direction and vision as leaders of our tomorrow.
It is time for us to turn our eyes to Jesus with a humble heart for new thing to happen. God called upon nations to seek Him and live (Amos 5:4-6), not going to Bethel, Gilgal or Beersheba. For decades and years Nagas are longing for a lasting peace and harmony thinking that it may come from some external solution or from somewhere. Where is this ‘somewhere’? The Lord Jesus implied keeping a house in order (Matt 12:25; Mk 3:25; Lk 11:17 cf Is 38:1) on a good foundation (Matt 7: 24-27) by reconciling with own brothers before the next agenda (Matt 7:24, 25).
A New Integrated Synergy
When the deadly parts of the animals are defused and acidified there will be a new merger of harmony formed with a spectrum of potential and capability from the respective animals. For instance, the harmony now is a component of subtlety, swiftness and maneuverability of the animals without harming and hurting each other, rather maximizing the strength of the body. In the same way, God wants to use our ability and gifting for His purpose if we can give up our old nature of egoism.
As Christians, the Nagas will become stronger and powerful if we are willing to disarm our old stuffs and probe into new vision under the rule of the Counselor, Emmanuel, and the Prince of Peace. He is the source of human harmony and peace if his principles are accepted and put into action. New thing will happen only when we are willing to deactivate our old vocabularies, pride, divisive agenda, self-center mindset, thievery and manipulative skills. New thing will come when we put new wine into new wine skins. Smiling faces will begin only if we are willing to bury and bring to an end our old habits and attachments such as a lazy hand, a stealing, cheap and shortcut mindset, food without sweat, bullet of AK 47 rifle and pistol habit, bloodshed, threat and extortion, and other detrimental and subversive strategies. With God, there are better ways than these habits.
Christian faith goes far beyond Sunday worships. Everyday is a Sunday and like Christmas day for the believers in terms of our relationship with God and practical living. The need of our land is eradication of famine of truth, getting rid off of old content and inviting new things. The need is a positive mind, a working hand, an encouraging word, a listening ear, a supportive attitude, hand to mouth principle, truth based communication, a supportive role model, a healthy relationship, a helping mindset, a participation in social health, and a heart for success beyond survival level.
Wave of earthquakes are natural and caused by seismic movements. But more devastating, severe famine, and greater human loss is ‘when truth is gone, when honesty is over, and when righteousness is fossilized.’ Because these are the secrets of harmony and peace. A nation is budding up again when these qualities become the pillars of the foundation. Peace and harmony starts from your heart when you are settled within yourself. It is peace and harmony when your heart is free from inner hurt, fracture and fear. May there be peace on earth. May the application and bearing of Christmas be Peace within you and lasting Harmony in our land.
