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THE MESSAGE OF PEACE IN A VIOLENT WORLD
Our storytellers believe that Yeshua is the ultimate answer to the violence we
see in our country and around the globe. Have you ever noticed how many
times the word peace is associated with the Messiah? He is the Prince of Peace
according to the prophet Isaiah,
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will
rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 – verse 7 in the Hebrew Bible).
In the New Testament, a book that has also changed the lives of our
storytellers, we read that Jesus assured His disciples at His last Passover Seder
(Last Supper) that His peace could reign in their lives even during the difficult
times to come after He would depart to return to His Father,
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give
to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).
I remember years ago when I was part of a travelling singing group invited
to perform in Northern Ireland. The violence at the time was extreme and
we actually witnessed a half dozen bombs go off during our time of ministry.
Before we left for this trip, the president of my university at that time,
Dr. Clyde Cook, prayed a prayer with my wife and I that I will never forget.
Dr. Cook said, “Lord, teach Mitch that safety is not the absence of danger, but
the presence of the Lord.”
His prayer meant so much to me, especially during some very tense moments when
we were in the midst of outdoor concerts and heard the BOOM of an explosion
and witnessed the fear of the crowds as they scattered in search of safety!
I learned that peace is not something you feel, but rather something that
comes from knowing that the Lord is with you and will never forsake you—
especially during difficult times!