Seventh-day Adventist® Church

Jubilee celebrations continue over this weekend, with a big concert at Buckingham Palace today. Meanwhile, as the Olympic Torch weaves through Derry / Londonderry, republican protesters force a detour. 

At the end of the concert, with the Queen on the stage, poised to light the last of the 4000+ commemorative beacons, Prince Charles gives some cordial words about his "mummy". As part of his speech the prince spoke of the Queen's work in the Commonwealth, saying she brought unity within diversity. With the protests in Derry we realise that complete unity even within the "United" Kingdom has not been irrevocably achieved. 

I am mindful of the words of Paul to the believers in Ephesus about unity. He encourages them to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). 

There are currently 54 sovereign states in the Commonwealth. It is beyond a stretch of the imagination to say that they are all at peace. Wars and internal conflict afflict every country. But all are united by one Queen.

It seems there are 196 countries in the world. I would say that even believers in Jesus Christ don't always find unity and peace with each other. But we are all united by one King, God.

If you are frustrated or discouraged in your search for peace between Christian believers, consider this, is it more important that you find peace or you offer peace?

As you seek to foster unity and peace, remember what Paul said a few verses earlier in Ephesians. "In him [Jesus] and through faith in him [Jesus] we may approach God with freedom and confidence (3:12) ....... for this reason I kneel before the Father (v14) ...... I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (v16-17a).

As you seek the presence of God, approach God knowing that you can, stay long enough in His presence, kneel if you have to, and claim the power of God in your life to keep you faithful until His return.

-Pr Nathan Stickland