People of Peace
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. -Jesus
They create a desolation and call it peace -Roman Historian Tacitus (speaking against the brutality of Rome).
Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was praised for creating a stable economy, a stable country that emerged after years of civil war. Caesar was hailed as the king of the world, the bringer of peace, the one who offered good will to all mankind. But their peace looked like lines of roman crosses with rebels nailed up on them. Essentially saying, ‘if you don’t accept our way of peace, this is what happens to you.’ And so the world then, as it does now, blurs the line between peace and oppression. In other words, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick and then use said stick when others don’t conform.’
Jesus offered a different way- a way of peace that didn’t make others suffer but one that took on the sufferings of others into himself. And he lived out true peace; no longer a world dominated by Pax Romana but Pax Christi- the peace of Christ.
The strongest pillar in this life of peace is the invitation in becoming people of forgiveness.
Forgiving people doesn’t mean you are saying that the pain and wrong that was done wasn’t that bad. This is like a child saying, sorry and the other saying, ‘oh it’s ok.’ No. The pain that was done and the injustice that was done is/was real. But in forgiving, you are making an effort to move forward. Saying that you will not let hate or a desire for vengeance to rule your life. This type of forgiveness is seen when Christ asked the Father to forgive those around him- those that were insulting him, mocking him, flogging him, and nailing him to a cross.
Forgiveness turns to restoration when those who have done wrong or injury to others ask for forgiveness. They admit that what they have done was wrong and so come before those they have injured. When both sides (injured and injurer) agree to restoration, forgiving and asking to be forgiven, a healed relationship can occur.
But something we need to be mindful of, when asking for forgiveness or when forgiving the other, this does not mean that the other will agree to restoration. Sometimes what they need is time along with Divine intervention (holy spirit working in their life). That is to say, that just because a person has learned to forgive, this doesn’t mean the other has as well. Trust that the Holy Spirit is active in the world and in the hearts of others. In the meantime, pray for them and pray for healed relationships. In essence- forgive but still look for and seek out ways of making things right.
In this way, may we make peace in unpeaceable situations. And in so doing be the children of God.
Announcements:
Link to the CBC Calendar
If you are interested in contributing to the Holy Week Devotional/Art Project, please use this link to get more information: Holy Week Project.
Ash Wednesday Service TOMORROW!!!- Feb. 18 from 6-7
Church Weekly Schedule
Sunday worship at 11am
Sunday School at 9:45am
I am teaching through the Gospel According to Matthew
Youth/Children’s Group! Daniel and Emily Mendez are heading up the Youth Group Bible Study at 9:45
Wednesday Prayer Posse 12pm
Thursday Bible Study with Mitchell and Sarah 6-8pm
Mitchell’s cell number: 907-942-0381
address: 1815 E Rezanof Dr.
Grief Share meets each Sunday from 3-4:30
Trail Life each Sunday from 2-3pm
Pastor Steven’s Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Thursday
I have an open sign (if it is on, I am here)
If I am not in the office at these times, I am meeting with someone
Call or text me 972-921-2516
Email steven@kodiakcbc.org