Dying for peace
Confusion spread through the whole city, and the people all ran together, grabbed Paul, and dragged him out of the Temple. At once the Temple doors were closed. The mob was trying to kill Paul, when a report was sent up to the commander of the Roman troops that all of Jerusalem was rioting. (verses 30, 31)
Read Acts 21: 27-36
You’d think God’s temple would be a place of peace and sanctuary where you’d be safe from pain and persecution. Instead, people there were trying to kill Paul. A place of peace and prayer was turned into a fighting pit!
Many people have turned away from church because of bad experiences. They may have gone to find peace, serenity, helpful people and good experiences. Instead, they found that people were hurtful, selfish and power hungry. A place of peace has become a memory of pain for too many people.
Paul was sent to proclaim peace with God through Jesus, even among those who were violent. This type of peace was not only worth fighting for but also worth dying for – which was what Paul was prepared to do.
Even if people in the church have hurt you, this doesn’t mean God wasn’t there with you. Perhaps it proves that the message of peace through Jesus still needs to be proclaimed – even in church.
Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for the times when I am violent. Help me to become your presence of peace among your people. Amen.
by Stuart Kleinig, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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