None of us can escape the news of the riots in the Los Angeles area, and I’m certain that most Americans are grieved at the civil unrest and chaos that are being displayed before our eyes during each news cycle. Differing ideologies and political convictions are at the forefront of the conflict, the result of which has exposed a society that disregards the admonitions in Scripture and a God who seeks peace in relationships and in society. After all, Jesus came as the “Prince of Peace,” not as the “Prince of Chaos.”

The TV series “Law and Order” may be a favorite for many of you, and I think that we all recognize that law and order are essential aspects of a well-functioning society. Law and order help to provide an environment where love, respect, and relational harmony can flourish. God’s Word encourages us to seek justice, fairness, and respect for one another, which are essential for maintaining peace and protecting the citizens of our society from violence and harm. The establishment of godly laws are intended to act as a guide that reflects God’s love, reminding us that living in alignment with those laws are essential for the well-being of any society.  

One of my favorite portions of the Old Testament is found in the Book of Amos, as the Prophet rails against the nation for observing their religious festivals but neglecting more important matters of the law. Let’s pick up the words of the Prophet as he echoes God’s words, calling out the people for their hypocrisy,   

“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; And the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps, I will not listen” (Amos 5:21-23).

But then God focuses upon what He expects of His people, saying,

“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

What God expects of His people, in both the New and Old Testaments, is for both justice and righteousness to flow from the heart of God’s people as well as in society.

If you recall my recent blog series on the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us that “peace-makers” are “blessed” — not just “peace-lovers” or “peace-keepers,” but “peace-makers” (Matthew 5:9). And that means we may have to roll up our sleeves and work with individuals and with certain elements of our society to help bring about peace. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter echoes Jesus’ words by admonishing us to …seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11).

And finally, I’d like to remind each of us of the words of the Apostle Paul,

If possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all people (Rom 12:18).

The ball is in our court, so to speak, when it comes to pursuing peace, by doing all that we can to bring about peace in relationships as well as in society. This involves participation on our part to the extent that we are able. By God’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish what the Lord asks of us. Let’s all pray that God would make us effective “peace-makers” and as far as it depends on us, as Paul said, to live at peace with all people.

And let’s pray for an end to the ongoing riots in the Los Angeles area, and that in the midst of the chaos, Christ would be present and working in the lives of many. Blessings to all of you.