Hymns of Praise:
SDAH: 299, 483, 505
Scripture
Matt 5:9
Roman 12:16-18
There have been several wars all over the world in the past three decades.
There have been wars among nations and there have been wars among tribes and ethnicities. Despite all these wars, there have also been steps to bring about peace. There have been arrangements where warring nations, tribes and ethnicities have sat down to smoke the peace pipes. The United Nations has been an institution that has played a significant role in bringing factions to sit down so they can solve problems amicably where there is no peace. Meanwhile, the presence of wars have shown evidence of confusion, chaos, death, sorrow and restlessness.
Among families, friends and relatives who have arguments, misunderstanding and unforgiveness, there is always chaos, confusion, insecurity, and no comfort. All these take place in the world. It is interesting to note that all in the world do respect the concept of peace. Our God is a God of peace. And where the spirit of God is there is peace. As Christians, and Seventh-day Adventists awaiting the coming of Christ, the Lord calls us to live with one another in peace. In Matthew 5:9 the Lord identifies his children. He says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. If we do not have the nature of peace we do not identify with God. Peace is the nature of God. Peace is a fruit of the spirit. The Lord requires us to live in peace. Even those in the world, those who do not believe in God strive for peace. How much less shall the children of God not strive for peace.
A young Man who converted from Islam to Christianity through a vision in which he describes his encounter with Jesus Christ in heaven mentions lamentation of Christ of Christians today who are at conflict with each other even when the time of Christ’s coming is close. How long will the children of God continue to give Satan the power to wrestle against the Church? How long shall we continue to make the church of God powerless against the forces of darkness. There is no power the church does not have if we shall work together in the power of the Holy Ghost and in the power of binding love and unity. The power of the Holy Spirit is kindled and catalyzed when the children of God work as one—then we can see the face of God. In Romans 12:16-18 the Lord instructs us to be of the same mind, that we think together as one people in the house of God. Even when the majority has agreed and we don’t, the lord says let’s be of one mind. Any division comes not from the father in Heaven.
The Spirit of Prophecy speaks on these thus: “The world is looking with gratification at the disunion” amongst Christians. Infidelity is well pleased. God calls for a change among His people. Union with Christ and with one another is our only safety in these last days. Let us not make it possible for Satan to point to our church members, saying: “Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. We have nothing to fear from them while they spend more strength fighting one another than in warfare with my forces.” CCh 43.2
Prayer Points
Pray for the power of the Spirit of God
Pray for the peace of the Church
Pray for peace among family members
Pray for peace among couples
*Pray on issues as the Spirit of God Directs
Readings by Daniel Dickson Boateng PhD
Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary
Andrews University, Michigan
