True peace

     

"True peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of God."

— Loveless

     Did you know that Alfred Nobel made a fortune from the invention of dynamite? 

     We know how that changed the direction of warfare, resulting in many horror stories. 
     Quite amazingly, he made a provision in his will for an annual prize to be given to those who work to promote peace. I wonder, if perhaps after the fact, realizing the harm his invention caused in the wars, even though many good projects were fostered as well, he may have had some regrets. 

     

     Today, this prize is called the Nobel Peace Prize, given as an honour to those who receive it in the name of peace. 
     
     Promoting peace is an honourable pursuit. Whoever promotes it, or serves as a peace maker, deserves a medal or prize to be sure; whether in families, on the playground, in the work place, or in the board room with the leaders of our nations. 
     

     

     Jesus gave it high priority when He said,"Blessed are the peace makers..."            

— Matthew 5:9 

      Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about that little word, peace — especially with everything but peace, resounding in today's troubled world. With the senseless violence invading our streets, parks, malls, and even classrooms across the globe, we cannot but wonder where can we feel safe anymore. 
     We ask, "When will all this end and common sense prevail?" The heartfelt anguish so many families have had to bear is incomprehensible. 
     We all would like to see our fellow human beings peacefully dwelling together across our world. But, is that only wishful thinking at best? 
     

     

     As President Obama said this morning in his address to the United Nations Assembly, "Who are we to believe that today's challenges can't be overcome; where nation's do not covet the lands, and all take responsibility to resolve conflicts peacefully." 

     We, along with him, accept that kind of hope with cautious optimism. I believe it was God's original plan for His creation to live on this planet in a peaceful manner. The angels initially heralding Jesus coming to earth, proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will towards men." 
     But, because of man's wilful disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Jesus, knowing full well the heart of man, knew we humans needed help. 
     He willingly came to give us a new heart and a desire to pursue peace. It is only as we receive His offer are we then ready to 'love our neighbour as ourself' and find true peace. 

     Let's remember Jesus' comforting words:  "... in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

— John 16:33  

     Meanwhile, this world we are in needs our prayers. Help us to pray..."Our Father in heaven, holy is your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."   

— Matthew 6:9,10

— beulah