Many modern leaders think of peace in the same way they do space: as some kind of non-substance -- the void left behind when something is removed. 

My dictionary supports their view. It defines peace as "freedom from strife of any kind." One example it gives is freedom from war. In other words, many world leaders think peace can be achieved through the process of elimination. 

For example, after a terrible massacre that took the lives of more than 30 innocent people, the Australian government concluded the substance that needed to be eliminated to achieve peace was firearms. 

The objections of the powerful gun lobby were overcome by a warning that if Australians didn't give up their guns they would become like America. As a result, sweeping gun control laws were enacted that not only eliminated handguns, but rifles and shotguns as well. 

The killings at Columbine High School nearly had the same effect on us here in America. Many of our own leaders also believe that peace can be achieved by elimination. I wonder what they would have recommended when a band of hooded men with axes entered a small village in Algeria and decapitated more than 300 people. Would they have recommended the elimination of axes? 

No, peace is not just the void left behind when some dangerous substance is removed. Peace has substance. And this elusive substance was once offered to the nation of Israel. Jesus appointed 70 disciples and said to them, "Go your ways; behold, I sent you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. And whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace be to this house.' And if a man of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you" (Luke 10:3-6 New American Standard Bible). 

Unfortunately, not only did the leaders of Israel reject the peace that Jesus offered, but also they actually saw Jesus as a dangerous substance. They believed Jesus had to be eliminated to maintain peace with Rome. 

The elimination of Jesus, however, didn't leave Israel peace with Rome. In fact, soon after Jesus was crucified, Roman soldiers destroyed Jerusalem and Israel disappeared from among the nations. 

Today -- in an amazing fulfillment of prophecy -- the nation of Israel has returned. Yet, once more, Israeli leaders believe peace is achievable through the process of elimination: elimination of the territories, or, perhaps elimination of the extremist pro-Palestinian groups. And, once again, the Israeli leaders refuse to accept Jesus as their "Prince of Peace." As a result, the peace they so desperately seek cannot be found. 

The Bible indicates that there will be a short time of peace in Israel's future. Unfortunately, it will be a false peace that will lead to their near destruction and the return of Christ. 

Yet, Jesus' offer of true peace remains. It is an offer of peace to both individuals and nations. He said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you" (John 14:27). You see, true peace will not come to us through the process of elimination. It is not the void left behind when something dangerous is removed. 

Peace has substance, and that substance is Jesus.