Pestilence Confronted: Seeking Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

Pestilence Confronted: Seeking Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

The world has much to offer by way of sensual pleasures and rich opportunities.  This is its great charm but also its basis of temptation.  A further deception is clearly seen in its lack of the most basic virtuous things like fairness, justice, equality and most clearly sustained peace.  The Covid 19 Virus has highlighted the weaknesses of our world systems, pushed many people and their governments to the limits of their abilities and stirred up anxiety everywhere.  One wonders if we can survive this Covid period without a major regional or global conflict: the peace is strained as the pestilence drags on.  

In the mid-20th century, another time of great economic and political turmoil, it was necessary for Christians to define their predicament and recommit themselves to the timeless truths of Jesus and the Scriptures: “Through him [Jesus) befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.”  This was the Barmen Declaration (1934) of the “confessing church” defining its role in contrast to the German Government Reich Church.  Today Christ-followers must again keep clear their calling and purpose — to love God and neighbor and not this world (I John 2:15).  If I do not condone the sensuous and evil ways of the world then I am free to limit my participation to those activities so that I can be the “salt” and “light” Jesus needs me to be (Matthew 5:13-16).  

So where does peace come from in all of this? In his final soliloquy, Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).  Jesus, the Savior of the world, the son of God almighty, the one with God in the beginning, the ultimate ruler over the nations of the world, the one coming again to judge and establish his kingdom, is my peace.  

Blessings,
Jim

Global Prayer Points

As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership. 

Africa: Continue to pray for the Southern and East Africa Resilience Fund (SEARF) being developed by CBMC Business Leaders. Pray that God would bring trustworthy financial partners interested in the well-being of these small business owners. We will be sharing a Crowdfunding link soon, if you want to participate.

Asia/Pacific: Pray that a cure will be provided for the Virus and heal our economy and rebuild our broken relationships. Give us wisdom and help us be more effective to share the Gospel and disciple others during these challenging days. Hong Kong: Please pray for the peace and democracy of Hong Kong.

Europe: Pray for our coaches and friends who help the business people and their peers in these crisis times. Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]

Latin America: Pray for protection and healing of CBMC families and team members who are in Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Brazil, ‘hot spots’ of the pandemic.

North America: Pray for establishing an e-CBMC (next generation) in North America Korean CBMC. Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus.

If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.