“Let yourself … embrace peace.” This is Sunday’s theme.
And it got me wondering: do we have to give ourselves permission to embrace peace? Shouldn’t we automatically embrace peace? But, the more I think about it, the more I realize it is an ongoing, conscious choice that requires us to pick the path of peace when other paths are easier, more inviting or even more natural.
In the Book of Isaiah, the prophet talks about the wolf and the lamb living together, the calf and the lion feeding together, the cow and bear grazing together, children playing in snake nests and not getting hurt. Doesn’t seem natural, does it? Seems like a daily, conscious choice to get along in this way.
This hopeful imagery is in contrast to earlier judgments made through Isaiah who pointed out the very human nature of some leaders who were not following God’s covenant but instead using their influence to favour the powerful, further marginalize the poor, and widen the wealth gap.
However, God, through Isaiah, offered hope in the coming of a new king (Emmanuel) who would be empowered by God’s spirit, free people from oppression and bring all creation into peace. A promise offered then and a promise offered now.
This Sunday Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United will speak about embracing peace from her context.
“Let yourself … embrace peace” … consciously, willingly, hopefully. Soon we will find ourselves living, feeding, grazing and playing together. All of us. All the time.
See you Sunday.