Harvest of Peace

W. Carl Ketcherside

[Page 8]

     Men who expect peace to prevail by accident, expect what never was and never will be in a world of sinful beings. One could as logically expect a crop of corn without planting the seed. Peace is a result, and it must be preceded by a cause. It is created or made, and those who make it are called peacemakers. Peace must be waged, even as others wage war. It demands a campaign, a crusade of dedicated hearts. Those who propagandize for peace are working with God. They are companions of the angels who used peace as their theme in announcing the advent of Jesus to Judean shepherds. They are enlisted under the banner of that leader who is known as "Prince of peace." Peace comes by prayer, purpose and persistence. It is achieved by crucified ones who trust for strength in the Crucified One. "The harvest uprightness yields must be sown in peace by peacemakers" (James 5:18). More than anything else is needed in these days a genuine longing for peace, which will cause us to "sow by all waters."