A Peace Through Sacrifice

The world was surprised when Jesus brought peace through Him rather than war. It was counter-culture to the Roman structure. Peace didn’t come from defeat or war-treaties.

Still, we raise guns and fists in hope of resolution. We make the assumption that we are the ones to bring about justice. 

Why do we want to fight? Further, how can we even reason with ourselves when we do?

We struggle more with the feeling of being wronged than the desire to live in peace. We focus on who wronged us rather than why they did, rather than a hope for the future. Our ego becomes bigger than the desire for peace. And then we snap.

Jesus’ ego? Carrying around his own cross. Falling in the dirt. Bleeding. Stripped.

We don’t look back on the crucifixion and point to Jesus’ embarrassment. We don’t place shame onto Jesus. We don’t look down on Jesus for doing all of that. So why do we place so much on holding up our own reputations?

We know we’re the beloved. So why do we feel the need to protect ourselves from naysayers? If we’re called ugly or mean or dishonest or worse, our family is called ugly or mean or dishonest, why do we need to puff our chests? Why can’t we instead bring our prosecutors into truth?

God, I pray for peace through you, not false peace through a fight. You showed us the way. Help us live in alignment with that. Help us to drop our fists, God, knowing that we don’t need to prove ourselves, because you already told us we’re worthy. 

Bring safety to our neighborhood, to Milwaukee and to the world, by reminding us of our own goodness and reminding us that peace comes with sacrifice. 

Amen,

Kendall