Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
His Peace
Canada has a long tradition of an active and vocal peace movement. The Mennonites and Quakers, guided by a philosophy of nonviolence, have consistently spoken out against war and militarism. During the late 1950s and 1960s, concern over the dangers of atmospheric testing and the debate over the presence in Canada of nuclear weapons provided a focus for Canada’s fledgling peace movement. In 1957 the first PUGWASH Conference of scientists was held in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Peace Research Institute was founded.
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In a world that is rocking with geopolitical turmoil, and countries are facing upheaval, protests and radicalization, the Gospel of the Kingdom offers something altogether different. Jesus came to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. He ushered in its arrival. He offered forgiveness, freedom from guilt and shame, and peace with God. Jesus said this to His followers in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The world’s peoples long for peace. But the peace the world offers is fleeting at best. Just when one treaty is signed, another battle breaks out. The peace the Kingdom of God offers begins in the human heart and moves out from there to touch villages, provinces, nations. Jesus comes to touch hearts, one by one, leaving a peace that never fades and can never be stolen. When we have experienced the presence of Jesus and the peace He brings, there is no fear. Jesus’ peace has been left for you – reach out to Him in faith today, and His peace will be yours.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley