The first act of violence was committed by Cain.  Cain killed his brother, Abel, because he refused to submit to God's authority.  Cain allowed the power of sin to rule over him.  Both Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God, however God was not pleased with Cain's sacrifice.  Scripture teaches before Jesus died for our sins, God required animal sacrifices, as an act of worship.  Hebrews 9:22 tells us there is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood.  Before approaching God, our sins need to be atoned for. 

Instead of Cain humbling himself and obeying God, he became jealous of his brother Abel, because God was pleased with his sacrifice and not his.  God warned Cain, "...Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it," Genesis 4:6-7(NIV).  Cain rebelled against God and committed the sin of witchcraft and murdered his brother.  Rebellion is the sin of witchcraft because one follows a different spirit, rather than the Holy Spirit.  The first murder or act of violence was due to man refusing to submit to God's authority and worship Him in the way He requires.  Genesis 4:1-12. 

There has been much violence in the earth since Cain murdered his brother, thousands of years ago.  In Genesis 6, God destroyed the earth by flood, because of the violence or 'hamas' in the earth.  Hamas is the Hebrew word for violence found in Genesis 6:11 & 13.  The Nephilim were also in the world at that time.  There is much violence or 'hamas’ in the earth today.  We certainly see an increase in lawlessness, murders, hatred, wars and 'hamas'. There is much blood being shed.  We are in the end times.

But who can bring lasting peace to the earth and peace to Ukraine, the Middle East and all the conflicts in the world.  Can man secure peace in the earth?  Can human beings change their own hearts to love each other and not to hate and murder each other?  Can humans change their hearts to work together in unity and treat each other with dignity, respect and kindness?

After the first world war in 1914-1918, all the nations came together and formed The League of Nations.  Its role was to maintain world peace.  However, in 1939, World War 2 began.  After the second world war, the United Nations was formed.  The UN has failed to bring world peace.  We are now on the brink of World War 3.  After World War 3, the New World Order will be formed with a leader who promises to bring world peace. 

In 2 Thessalonians Paul warned the believers not to believe the lies and rumors that the Day of the LORD had already come.  He reassured them that the Day of the LORD could not come until the rebellion or apostasy of the church and the man of lawlessness had been revealed.  2 Thessalonians 2:1-4.  The man of lawlessness or the antichrist will deceive many to believe that he is God and can bring world peace.  

But only Jesus the Christ of Nazareth can bring world peace and only He can change men's hearts and minds to love and obey God and to love their neighbor as themselves.  Ony Jesus can give us peace in our hearts, minds, families, cities, nations and this world.  Isaiah 9:6-7 proclaims Jesus as the Prince of Peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace who will rule forever on David's throne to bring world peace to the earth.  Jesus died for our sins on the cross so that we can have peace with God and peace with each other and ourselves.

When Jesus was born the angels declared peace on the earth. They said, "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests," Luke 2:13-14 (NIV).   In Mark 4, Jesus demonstrated his power and authority to bring peace to every situation, including nature.  Jesus calmed a storm when He declared, "Peace.  Be still."  God has reconciled the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, the Jews with the Gentiles through Jesus.  Ephesians 2:14-17 says, "For He (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.  His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility," (NIV).  Only Jesus can bring lasting peace to Israel and the Middle East and the world. 

God has told us the end from the beginning.   We know how it all ends.  When the man of lawlessness or the antichrist is revealed, Jesus will destroy him. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says, "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming," (NIV).  Jesus gives us peace.  We need not fear the future.  John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid," (NIV).  King Jesus, The Prince of Peace rules and reigns forever.  Be at peace. Shalom.

If you have not received the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ of Nazareth as your Lord and Savior, you can say this prayer.  “Heavenly Father, I repent of my sins.  I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and I believe in my heart that You raised him from the dead.  Please help me to live for You, now and forever more.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.”  Shalom.