May 15

Peace Like a River

Isaiah 48:18, 22

If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would be streaming like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. - ‘There is no peace, for the wicked” says the Lord. 

Dear Readers,

today I would like to present a stamp to you with an image from the heart of Europe. It depicts the Moselle River, which originates in the French Vosges Mountains, flows through Luxembourg, and empties into the Rhine near Koblenz in Germany. The Luxembourgish artist Nico Klopp painted this idyllic Moselle landscape.

This image radiates tranquility. The river flows peacefully toward the viewer. One feels like being called to descend from the vineyard to sit down on the banks of the river to enjoy a view of its peaceful flow. 

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah of peace like a never-ending river. It is a beautiful image that speaks deeply to me. Peace that never ends. Peace that I am allowed to enjoy. Peace which makes me happy. Peace that spreads throughout my life, my relationships, my thoughts, and my feelings. God promises this peace to us, which cannot be grasped by reason or the mind: „And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “ (Letter to the church in Philippi 4:7).

God grants this peace to every person who listens to him and finds His ways of life to be right and good. Those however, who rebel against God and despise his commandments will never find this peace — neither in their souls nor in their relationships with others. 

God’s peace brings happiness. Peace and happiness are gifts, which cannot be fought for. God Himself is the source of this. Where He lets His peace flow, it streams through life like a lifeline.

The Moselle River flows through three countries. It knows no borders. Just as God’s peace knows no borders. God’s peace will be boundless in our lives. Let us invite the Lord Jesus Christ into our lives to unfold His peace within us. „For he himself is our peace. “(Ephesians 2:14). Jesus Christ is the source of this divine peace.

Thank you very much for visiting me and listening to me. I wish you to experience this peace. I look forward to seeing you again for the next short sermon on June 1. 

This text was translated using DeepL, edited by R. Jordan