Fear not.....
This morning I was shocked and dismayed
and yes even have some fear / concern for the future
after the killing of two black men and then
the murder and attempted murder
of many police in Dallas, Texas
Anger, fear, hatred....
Strong motivators.
Unbridled they = murder and mass murder....
'Bridled' they = bitterness, unforgiveness,
inability to care, love, or live 'normally'
As I read the reports I asked myself,
"How does the Gospel come into this place?"
"How do the words of Jesus make a difference here?"
This morning I read the Jesus' words;
"Anyone who loves his father or mother
more than me
is not worthy of me;
anyone who loves his son or daughter
more than me
is not worthy of me;
and anyone who does not take his cross
and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life
will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake
will find it." Matt 10:37-39
The paradigm shift is:
Losing is not something to fear.
In fact 'gaining' results in loss
while 'losing' results in true GAIN
Seems Upside Down from this side of Heaven
Yet this eternal principle that Jesus lived (and died) out....
I am the benefactor of...
So what does this look like for my southern neighbours?
- Getting true 'justice' is not a 'given'
- Forgiveness triumphs over hatred and fear
- Laws and political mandates are support for
not replacement of personal responsibility for dealing with sin.
Sin that comes from broken, messed up hearts...
There it is...
..... the gospel story...
The Healing of my and many others Hearts
forgiveness and peace
when 'justice' doesn't seem to be served.....
bringing Christ into my paradigm
for every thought, word, action.
Lord, have mercy
bring Your peace and calm
to a nation that is being torn
and wounded
and provoked to destroy the very people
it exists to establish sanctuary for.
I pray for revival of Your Spirit
in this time of loss....
I pray for Your Word of Heaven
to permeate again
the society that is losing sight of Your relevance.
I pray for Your Peace
in this battle for 'right'.
Amen.
PJ