Peace
by Pastor Lee Stevenson
Sermon for the Flag-Up Ceremony of the Free Medical Mission in Gombe, Nigeria
Two days ago, we arrived in Abuja and stayed at the Peace Media Hotel.
Then we boarded a flight from Abuja to Gombe—on Air Peace.
We stayed on peace. We traveled on peace.
And today, we stand together in Gombe, still wrapped in peace.
Because deep down, each one of us longs for peace. Each one of us needs peace.
What Is Peace?
In the Holy Bible, peace (often translated from the Hebrew word shalom) is more than the absence of conflict. It is holistic. It means:
- Completeness
- Soundness
- Welfare
- Safety
- Health
- Prosperity
- Tranquility
- Contentment
- Friendship
- Peace from war
- Peace with God in covenant relationship
Peace touches every area of life—body, mind, soul, and spirit.
When Peace Feels Far Away
In Job 3:26, the sufferer cries out:
“I have no peace, no quietness.
I have no rest; only trouble comes.”
Are you like Job today?
Maybe you’re here at this medical mission because you have no peace. Your body is in pain—your eyes, your teeth, your joints. Or maybe your soul is weary from broken relationships, grief, or loss.
Where there is no peace, there is destruction. Sorrow. Violence. Death.
But hear this: God offers peace.
A Blessing Promised
King David reminds us:
Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 34:14
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Are you searching for peace today?
There is One who gives it—one greater than kings, greater than prophets.
The Prince of Peace
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declared:
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
That child is Jesus.
At just the right time, God sent His Son—born like us, living among us, suffering with us. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and wherever He leads, peace follows.
Peace from pain.
Peace in our relationships.
Peace in our hearts.
Peace with God.
The Gospel of Peace
This is the good news—the Gospel—that brings light to every dark corner:
- Jesus was born, just like we were.
- He lived, taught, and called people to follow Him.
- He was executed—professionally, cruelly, undeniably.
- He was buried—because He was truly dead.
- But on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave.
- He ascended to heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
Why did He do all this?
Because He loves you.
Because He wants to give you peace.
Because He came to save you.
Just as you receive this medical care freely today, Jesus offers you peace freely—just as you are.
Will You Receive His Peace?
Peace is not just a feeling.
Peace is not just a concept.
Peace has a name.
Peace is a person.
His name is Jesus.
And He Himself is your opportunity for peace.
Will you receive Him today?
