08 September 2005 Devotion for Today "Peace" 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
One of the greatest things that man hopes for is to have and to live
in peace. That was "hit home" to me yesterday when members of our
church gathered at another refugee home in Hanau for a cookout-block
party-whatever you want to call it. We really had a nice time and
the weather was beautiful. The families in this complex came from
about 15 different countries speaking all kinds of languages and
dialects. The reasons why they left their countries are varied, but
the over all motivation was for them to find peace and freedom and
a better way of life. Refugees from Kosovo and Armenia wanted peace
from the relentless fighting and hostility. Jewish people from the
former Soviet Union desired relief from centuries of anti-semitism.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians congregated together, laughing, eating
(when we could convince them that the hot dogs were all beef and not
pork) and even singing together. The children who played together in
the refugee complex would not have been allowed to have had playtime
with children different than them in their own countries. Their
parents would not have shared the same sidewalk, much less a picnic
table, where they came from. The One who brought us all together last
night was Jesus Christ. Only He can bring peace, lasting peace that
remains in our hearts long after events like what we had at the refugee
home are long over.
The Apostle Paul speaks of this kind of peace in our devotional text
today, and prays it as his parting benediction for believers everywhere:
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
The Lord be with you all." v. 16.
May you have this peace in your hearts as you go into this new day.
One of the greatest things that man hopes for is to have and to live
in peace. That was "hit home" to me yesterday when members of our
church gathered at another refugee home in Hanau for a cookout-block
party-whatever you want to call it. We really had a nice time and
the weather was beautiful. The families in this complex came from
about 15 different countries speaking all kinds of languages and
dialects. The reasons why they left their countries are varied, but
the over all motivation was for them to find peace and freedom and
a better way of life. Refugees from Kosovo and Armenia wanted peace
from the relentless fighting and hostility. Jewish people from the
former Soviet Union desired relief from centuries of anti-semitism.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians congregated together, laughing, eating
(when we could convince them that the hot dogs were all beef and not
pork) and even singing together. The children who played together in
the refugee complex would not have been allowed to have had playtime
with children different than them in their own countries. Their
parents would not have shared the same sidewalk, much less a picnic
table, where they came from. The One who brought us all together last
night was Jesus Christ. Only He can bring peace, lasting peace that
remains in our hearts long after events like what we had at the refugee
home are long over.
The Apostle Paul speaks of this kind of peace in our devotional text
today, and prays it as his parting benediction for believers everywhere:
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
The Lord be with you all." v. 16.
May you have this peace in your hearts as you go into this new day.
Have a peaceful and blessed day.
(From 21 May 2001)
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