Sunday Service
18th August, 2024.
Speaker: Elder Joseph Girma
(Student Pastor on Field Work)
Text: 2 Chronicles 14:2-7
Topic: Principles for Sustaining Peace and Development
Our world today is in desperate need of peace and lasting development. But how can we sustain these in our lives, communities, and nations? The Bible provides us with powerful insights, particularly from the life of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:2-7.
Let’s begin by understanding a fundamental truth: peace is the product of holiness. When we live lives dedicated to God, peace naturally follows. King Asa, the third king of the Southern Kingdom of Israel, understood this. When he ascended the throne, he immediately sought to reform the kingdom. He removed idols, destroyed pagan altars, and commanded the people to seek the Lord and obey His laws. Asa’s commitment to holiness brought about profound peace in the land. The Bible tells us, "The land was at peace under him… the Lord gave him rest on every side" (2 Chronicles 14:6).
But what does it mean to sustain something? To sustain means to maintain or keep something going over a long period. For Jerusalem, sustaining peace meant rebuilding its broken walls and restoring its spiritual foundation. Similarly, for us to sustain peace in our lives, we must continually work on our relationship with God, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His will.
One crucial element in sustaining peace is obedience. Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land." Asa’s reign was marked by peace because he was obedient to God’s commands. When we live in obedience to God, peace and joy will flourish in our homes, communities, and even our workplaces.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to be at peace with everyone. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but an active force that stems from a life dedicated to God’s principles. The peace we cultivate in our personal lives can spread to our families, churches, and communities, leading to sustained development and growth.
In conclusion, like King Asa, let us commit ourselves to living holy and obedient lives. Let us seek to sustain peace by continually aligning ourselves with God’s will. When we do this, we can trust that God will grant us peace and prosperity in every area of our lives.
May the Lord help us to live in obedience, sustain peace, and bring about lasting development in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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© COCIN LCC Yelwa Tsakani Media & Publicity Unit
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