Waiting for Peace

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Last week, I watched the film Oppenheimer, a powerful story of Robert J. Oppenheimer’s life and his work on the Manhattan Project—America’s race to nuclear supremacy during World War II. By coincidence, I watched it on December 7, the anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, a day that marked the beginning of the United States' involvement in the war. Reflecting on the events of that day in 1941 and the end of the war in 1945, I was struck by a poignant symmetry: our conflict with Japan began and ended with the dropping of bombs.
But what really captured my attention was the surrender of Japan—not the formal signing of the “Instrument of Surrender,” but the historic radio message from Emperor Hirohito. The Jewel Voice Broadcast, delivered by Emperor Hirohito on August 15, 1945, was a historic radio address in which the emperor announced Japan's acceptance of the Allies' terms, effectively ending World War II. It was the first time the Japanese people heard their emperor’s voice, and though it avoided the word "surrender," it marked a turning point for the nation, with mixed reactions ranging from relief to shame, as some military leaders even attempted to prevent it from airing.
Still, the message reached its people: peace was coming, and it would come at a great cost.
In this, I saw a striking parallel to another first message of peace—a message spoken not by a human king, but by an angel, sent from the King of kings. When Gabriel announced the coming of the Messiah to Mary, it was the first word of a far greater peace. It wasn’t merely the end of one war but the beginning of reconciliation between God and humanity. And just like Hirohito’s words, this divine message came at a great cost. But instead of shame, it brought hope. Instead of division, it brought the promise of eternal life.
Today, as we reflect on the arrival of Jesus, we remember that the first audible message about His coming was a declaration of peace—an end to spiritual war and death. Just as Hirohito’s words signaled a chance to live, the angel’s words to Mary declared the promise of life everlasting through the Prince of Peace.

In the Waiting: Peace is Coming

Illustration: The Jewel Broadcast

On August 15, 1945, the Japanese Emperor, regarded as a semi-divine figure, made a historic broadcast announcing Japan's surrender. It was the first time his voice was heard directly by the people, who had previously only encountered his written words or messages proclaimed by emissaries. Transition: Similarly, the New Testament represents God speaking directly after centuries of silence, following the Jews' return from exile in Babylon.

Historical Context: The New Testament Setting

The Intertestamental Period

After returning to the Promised Land under Persian rule, the Jews rebuilt the temple, yet something was missing: God’s presence. The Glory is Gone:
Some had witnessed the glory of God in the first temple, but the second temple lacked that divine presence. The Jews failed to realize that their greatness wasn’t in their kings, laws, or temples but in the reality that "God is with us." By Jesus' time, the temple was larger than ever, thanks to Herod the Great, yet it remained empty where it mattered most.

The People’s Longing

The Jews yearned for Immanuel, "God with us," just as in the days of David when their strength came from God’s presence. This remains true today: greatness in life, success, and joy come from nothing other than God’s presence with us.

Silence Before the Savior

The Word is Gone: No prophets spoke during the intertestamental period, leaving the Jews waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Scriptural Fulfillment:
Malachi 4:1, 5–6 prophesies the coming of Elijah to prepare the way for the Lord. Luke 1:13–17 reveals John the Baptist as the one sent in the spirit of Elijah, preparing a people for the Lord’s arrival.

Pax Romana: Perfect Timing

Jesus’ birth occurred during the Pax Romana, a time of relative peace, enabling the rapid spread of His message throughout the empire.

The Peace Jesus Brought

A Misunderstood Peace:
The Jews expected physical/national peace but missed the spiritual peace Jesus came to offer. They thought they were already righteous before God because of the law and didn’t recognize their need for reconciliation with Him. Christ’s Unique Mission:
Jesus did not align with the three Jewish reform movements:
Pharisees: Opposed Herodianism. Essenes: Rejected Sadducean dominance. Zealots: Opposed Roman allegiance. Instead, He came to establish a New Kingdom, distinct from these earthly struggles.

Thoughts on Peace

What is Peace?

Peace isn’t merely the absence of war. The Bible reminds us of an unseen spiritual war raging around us. Christians can experience peace even in the midst of battle because:
The Outcome is Decided: Victory in Christ is assured. Eyes on Heaven: Our focus is on eternity.

In the Waiting

The Jewish people have endured immense persecution throughout history, yet they persist in hope, bonded by traditions and scriptures. Tragically, they are still waiting for a Savior, not recognizing that He has already come.

A Savior Among Us

Jesus came to His own people, but they did not receive Him (John 1:11). Despite having every spiritual advantage, the Jews missed the God who was among them. Reflection for Us: Like the Jews, we too can miss God’s presence in our lives if we are not attentive.
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