Devotions

Nonviolent relent World of bloodstained wariors Wilderness voices 

1. The last hymn Jesus sung at passover is thought to have been the Hallel (Psalm 118). 2. We need a global solution that is neither empire nor revolution and certainly not war.  3. Sin is the failure to make a choice for good. In every moment we have a choice. Choose wisely.  4. Jesus the better Adam passes the test in a different garden. 5. "You wouldn't talk that way to God, so why you talking that way to others?" 6. One of the most radical things we can do in a world in turmoil is to go home and love our families. 7. Our Christianity doesn't need to be toxic and certainly doesn't need to be complicated. To be continued....

I am autistic, so there are often phrases that go around in my head for literal years. One is "How quickly our lives go before us." An old elder at a free church on the Island of Skye where I was raised used to say it. The older I get, the more I realise how wise this elder was.

Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Peter heals a beggar who can’t walk Peter has changed. "One day Peter and John..." John (the beloved) has brought the restored Peter who had so strongly denied Jesus along. There is a sense of being relational and intentional.  Peter has changed. "It was three o’clock in the afternoon. It was the time for prayer." They intentionally went to pray. They didn't give up praying but intentionally prayed at a given time. They went to a public place, not the privacy of the upper room but the temple. Peter has changed. "Then Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up." Peter is not drawing swords or being wildly outspoken. But, humbly and gently ministering to those in need. He is not a man of the sword but a man of prayer.  Peter has changed. (Quotes from NIRV).

Despite the fact that Christianity initially was a non-violent radical movement of God's people, many today who claim to be of Christ seem to see war as needed and even God ordained. Such blasphemy is hardly new. Since the days of Constantine (I) when the State and the Church made an unholy alliance, the deception of redemptive warfare has been clung to like a life belt. Yet, ever since the time of Jesus the Messiah and prophets before Him many radicals (often persecuted and outcast) have questioned the morality of war. Now in the 21st century generations are also rising up against the war machine among both the secular and spiritual sector of society. They recognise that war is for power, economy and pride, not justice or peace. Long may these voices in the wilderness be heard, as they prepare the way for the Lord, who when he comes again will be the undoing of evil and the establiaher of a kingdom not of this world that will live in peace forever!

   He stands upon a hill. His hair blows in the wind, as does his tartan kilt. Upon his cheek is a tear drop. It gently runs down his face. His eyes are wide with shock. From his mouth comes the terrifying words: "It's over." His hands and legs begin to shake. His shepherd staff falls to the ground. He soon follows. Upon his knees he weeps and starts to push his head to the ground. "No, no, no! Please God no!" Then he lifts his head to look one more time. He stares across the highland landscape toward the distance where the city use to be. A dark mushroom cloud towers above the landscape The unthinkable has happened. There is no more time for protests or campaigns. The ignorance of many including of course many leaders has led to this moment. Scotland the brave is now Scotland the doomed. In his heart he knows other cities will fall in other nation. The unthinkable has begun.  

  God of Love, whose Gospel is Peace.  We pray that through your Divine Love, that Peace would come. Together we say, May Peace Prevail on Earth. In saying this we also know that we are to be your hands and feet in this world. Therefore, loving God, enable us to be the change we wish to see in the world around us. Let us be witnesses for peace and let our peace testimony have an impact on the whole world. All for your glory and the improvement of the human race.  In the name of our Sweet Prince of Peace,  Amen.