Speak Peace to the People
Peace

OVERVIEW OF TOPIC: Peace

Focus Text: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other…”

Scripture Commentary by Jason R. Jenkins

“This psalm is not concerned solely with a far-fetched, ephemeral time in the future that will only occur upon the complete advent of the Kingdom of God.  As Christians, we believe that the advent of Christ has accomplished these promises: salvation for all, righteousness, faithfulness, abundance of life, and especially shalom….”

Pastoral Reflection by Steve Taylor, Director of Missions, North Carolina Conference, United Methodist Church

“I retired after twenty years in the Air Force.  This wouldn’t be of much consequence, except that I have been asked to reflect on this beautiful passage about God’s peace.   As a warrior, as one whose job was once building and reading the message that would launch nuclear weapons meant to kill millions, initially I wanted to offer a different reflection….”

Personal Vignette by Cyrus King

“We all know that being a veteran does not translate into being a peacenik – and it certainly does not guarantee wisdom – but I think it pushes me in what I hope to be the right direction.  And that direction is a belief that ‘War Is Not the Answer,’ that there has to be a better way to solve problems.  In a sense I returned to my roots….”

Key Fact

As of October 2008, North Carolina taxpayers have paid $17.8 billion for the Iraq war to date.