Peace

For the Future
Jeremiah 49:1-50:46

"'But the time will come when I will make good things happen to the Ammonites again,' says the Lord." (Jeremiah 49:6)

After listing all of the horrible, atrocities associated with war, we are given the reassurance that peace will come some day for the Ammonites. (This is then repeated in verse 39 for Elam.) These verses remind me of Tony Campbell's sermon, "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming!" The idea is: Things are dark. There are problems aplenty. Difficult situations at every turn. But... Sunday's coming! Amen. Thank you, God, for your promise of peace (be it in the land, throughout the world, or simply in our hearts)... I know that time will come.

For the Weary
Psalm 119:121-128)

"My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation and for your promise." (Psalm 119:123)

John Bell, who was at the VEV conference, pointed out the importance of using the not-so-happy Psalms, because they touch the reality of some people's lives in a very powerful way. While the promise of God's peace isn't inherent in this verse, we know that it comes from other scriptures. (...he promises peace to his people...Psalm 85:8) At the same conference, we had an evening of Contemplative Prayer at a beautiful cathedral. After much confusion and deliberation over the discernment process, the meditation left with a peace that certainly passeth understanding (Phillipians 4:7). How great you are, oh Lord, Prince of Peace... you bring peace to the heart of even this weary Psalmist.

For All
Titus 1:1-16

"Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." (Titus 1:4)

When I arrived in Brazil, one of the difficult things for me to understand was the need for the COB peace position in a country that wasn't at war. How foolish I was! My friend and pastor Alexandre soon explained the context of violence in Brazil included violence, drugs, abuse, even basic human need (oftentimes a root cause of these types of violence). God's peace is needed in every aspect of our lives, and I pray that I may show your peace to the souls of those who may seek it.