Makers of Peace

With all the war, rage and anger that is going on the world, I still believe that Jesus spoke clearly about Peace. Some Christians will try to justify violence by referring to a few verses in the New Testament, but on the whole, Jesus did not advocate for hatred and violence. 

We must remember that Jesus had all the power in the world, so he could have destroyed the wicked and those who oppressed him, but he chose not to. When the religious leaders waged war on him, he did not call down thunder and lightning from heaven. Jesus came to establish a new kingdom, one that looked very different from the kingdoms of the world, and this is what makes it difficult to follow the teachings of Jesus.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 5:43 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Thought: I would be wary of people who claim that we must wage war in the name of God. Jesus Christ does not command us to steal, kill and destroy. That is the work of the adversary (John 10:10).

Living in Grace

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Seeking the edges

Laurie Beth Jones writes in her delightful book Jesus in Blue Jeans, about how Jesus was able to see life from a totally different perspective from us and how he was always willing to engage with people on the fringes of society. She writes:

"A wise person does not fear the edges and fringes but studies them. Indeed, he or she is often in them - working to make change happen." 

Jesus spoke to his followers about being their shepherd, but also indicating something radically new. Jesus said: "I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd." (John 10:16)

May God teach us to see those who are living on the fringes of society and to love them with the love of Christ.

Living in Grace

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Why would you exchange a castle for a stable?

Max Lucado writes a moving piece about the choice that God made when he sent Jesus into our world. In the simplicity of these words we grasp the magnitude of God's humility and willingness to lay his glory aside for us.

"Jesus swapped a spotless castle for a grimy stable.
He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers.
He could hold the universe in his palm,
But have it up to float in the womb of a maiden."

John 10:18 - "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Living in Grace

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Staying close to the Shepherd

 

As we reflect on the beautiful image of the Good Shepherd this week, I invite you to meditate on these quotes and verses. Enjoy and may you know the comfort of the True Shepherd, Jesus.

"I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way." - St. Jerome

"Christ's flock is made up of sheep that not only listen to their shepherd, but are also able to recognize his voice, to follow him, faithfully and with full awareness, on the pastures of eternal life." - Pope John XXIII

"The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same." -Stendhal

John 10:11 (LB) - “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd.

Living in Grace

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Blessing - Advent 1

In a world where so many people demand things, it is refreshing to know that God is still generous and gracious. In order to celebrate God's merciful nature, I have chosen to share a few blessings and prayers with us all over this Advent season. May each one of these offer you much love, hope and peace.

Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path below me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today - tonight - and for ever
--- Columba (521-597) Irish monk and missionary in Scotland

John 10:11 -  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Living in Grace

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