In my last blog I spoke about the terroist attacks in the city of Mumbai, India. I referred to it as an evil act, by evil people. It was an evil act of cowardice for most of the over one hundred people killed were innocent folk. It was an evil act fuelled by hatred and deep seated bitterness. How should we react to such situations, especially since we too love our country and are deeply hurt when we see the devastation and destruction wrought against it? Should we retaliate with vengeful thoughts or plan destructive actions?
On a beautiful Sunday evening last month, in Indianapolis, I stood before about 40 Pakistanis. I stood there to break the Word of God to them. We sang together (or rather they sang for my Urdu and Hindi is non-existent); we prayed together; we even ate together (delightful Indian and Pakistani cuisines). No vindictive comments nor nasty remarks. We were simply brothers and sisters together in Jesus. We were bound to one another by the common salvation brought to all men through Jesus. And because of Jesus we were all part of ONE family and belonged TOGETHER in the Kingdom of God. And at the end of the evening we shook hands and we embraced. And all this is only because of Jesus - the PRINCE OF PEACE.
More than two thousand years ago the angel declared on that night when Jesus was born - Peace on Earth . . . Goodwill to all men. . . And indeed when men come under the blood of Jesus through faith in Him and obedience to His Word, then Indian - Pakistani friendship is possible. And further too - American - Iraqi, or Arab - Jewish brotherhood. Seems a pipe dream? Absolutely not for though it sounds both simple and simplistic yet it is real and Pam and I experienced it that Sunday evening in Indianapolis.
The New Year is upon us, a whole year of living - 2009. In our individual lives and church living and in all the contexts of life, let us THINK in terms of peace and ACT in peace. It can happen as we allow the peace of God flood us first. As we have peace WITH God and then peace IN us then we can promote peace, as much as possible, AROUND us. May His peace overwhelm you in this new year.
Till next time - Leonard
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