Way of peace

Way of Peace

restoreroflostvoices

In the Lord I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain; for, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11: 1-3 NASB

     The Lord is trustworthy. We come to Him as the orphan, captive, outcast, and stranger and see the beauty of His face in the merciful break of dawn. He also is the whiteout. He re-frames the lies of the enemy with love, mercy, and Truth. And He guides our feet into the way of peace!

     Our foundational roots must be embedded in love and Truth so that when perilous storms hit, we are ready and equipped. We must cling to what we know about God and His past faithfulness. Our road may be uncertain, but He is trustworthy.     

   Thirty-five years ago, I’d longed for home, to be known, loved and accepted; but I’d closed the door. However, Truth circled with the passing of my dad and his long-forgotten, favorite dessert, gingerbread and applesauce. Grace had won my heart. And it took a blizzard to see it! 

I’ve served feasts that left others famished. I dumped water on myself in my hurry, chucked split pea soup in my anger, forgot to put noodles in my lasagna while I multi-tasked, and my prayers were unspoken. There were times I didn’t want to return to where I’d been, nor open our front door. But God thought different. We either listen to the voice that tells us to flee or we pursue the way of peace.

     The way of peace starts with confession. 

     The Sons of Israel assembled to fast in loose sackcloth and with dirt rubbed upon themselves. They couldn’t hide their sin, nor the sins of their fathers. With heavy heart and humility, they confessed their sin and committed to follow God’s way. He is the perfect standard! (Nehemiah 9)
     

We discover the heart of God in Israel’s prayer and worship:

     He alone is Lord; His name is above all names.
The Lord is faithful; He keeps His covenant promises.
     The Lord sees the affliction of His people.
     He performed signs and wonders. 
     The Lord divided the sea and hurled His enemies into the depths.
He led His children by pillar of cloud during the day and fire by night. 
     And He sustained them in the wilderness.
God spoke to the Sons of Israel from heaven and gave them His Word, law and commandments.
    The Lord forgives and disciplines stubborn and rebellious hearts.    
He is gracious and compassionate.
     He does not abandon us in our desert wasteland.
     The Lord is patient; He hears our plea for help and rescues us, time and time again. 
     God does not make an end of His people; rather, they revel in His goodness.
     His love and faithfulness throughout history lead us to speak. He is the way of peace!     

Pursuing peace,

Lily Mae

     For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face. 
Psalm 11: 7 NASB

Way of Peace

restoreroflostvoices

     When Jesus approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. Luke 19: 41, 42 NASB     

Jesus climbed the dusty, rugged road to Jerusalem. The last few miles of His journey were the steepest. He’d healed the sick, blind, and lame; and, He’d eaten with the outcasts and offenders. He also stooped to bless the children and instructed the crowds with parables, applicable stories of their times. Jesus had called and sent His disciples out to “fish for men.” Then He sent seventy more out in pairs to announce His coming. His mission was simple: 


“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19: 10 NASB

     Jesus drew near to Bethany and Mount Olivet, the olive grove that He’d often fled to for solitude. Rest was found in the shade of the gnarly, twisted trees and their messy, bruised fruit. Bystanders placed their cloaks on a donkey colt for Him to ride on and laid their coats on the road. They praised God and recognized Jesus as their Messiah. Yet, as Jesus approached His beloved city, He wept, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace!” 

     Jesus is the “Way of Peace.”

     The Son of Man walks with us today. He gifts us with His example as He guides us through our valleys and o’er the rough ridges. He leads with humility and compassion, care and concern. Jesus made room for the children, the weak and vulnerable, and His Heavenly Father. When we lay our cloaks down, our rights, ranks, and responsibilities, and choose solitude and rest with the Father, we’re not only revived; but, we’re better able to see His Way of Peace. 

     Peace is born in the shade of the bent, broken, and fallen, the beaten, bruised, and refined. When we are completely undone, the Prince of Peace can have His way. His grace alone saves. Inner calm, contentment, and harmony and reconciliation with others begins with Him. 

     We must let His light in!

Lord, have your way with us.

Lily Mae