Short Devotion: Peacemakers - Galatians 3:28

 

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

There has been a lot of controversial discussion about certain aspects of our common history in recent years. Sadly, it has created a great divide among us and caused both anxiety and hostility. One group fervently states that they have experienced centuries of injustice and inequality, so the other side should be made accept what they have done and repair any damage from the past, which may still unjustly affect the present generation. The other side does not accept these accusations, nor are they willing to apportion any blame to their ancestors and themselves, or even have the issue discussed in public forums or in school classrooms. Because there is no dialogue taking place, the wounds grow deeper and the division grows wider. Instead of being a compassionate community where freedom is known through liberty and justice for all, we have become fragmented and suspicious of one another, allowing fear to damage our freedom and ignorance to unsettle our society. 

In times like these, the role of the Church is to be Christ’s peacemaker, creating a safe place where such dialogue can happen, where opposite views can be expressed and heard, as well as being a sanctuary where unity and diversity can flourish. This is not a new concept – it is basic to the teachings of Jesus, as well as to be found in Paul’s ministerial letters. Just as it boldly states in our beautiful Declaration of Independence – we are all created equal by God –it is also expressed, according to Christian doctrine, that we remain equal in the eyes of God through Jesus – as the Apostle Paul wrote:

‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ This fundamentally means that more than any other group, we, as Christ’s followers, are meant to accept one another as equals and, therefore, to strive for that equality to be fulfilled in the Church, as well as to seek ways to accomplish that equality throughout our community, nation, and world.

This is not an easy task or a light burden, after all, Christ was crucified and Paul was martyred for daring to promote such a revolutionary peacemaking message in a time when power and oppression brutally suppressed any movement toward equality. But no matter how hard it is, to be faithful to Christ means applying His message, however controversial it may be, even in our present dilemma. As Christ’s followers, we follow His lead; as Christ’s disciples, we apply His truth. Like Jesus, we are peacemakers and pathfinders, seeking a solution to the sorrows among us, embracing dialogue and diversity, restoring justice and sharing compassion.

Q: How can I become a peacemaker in our divided community? How can the Church create a place and path that leads to unity and equality?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, in our present difficulties, help us to turn to Your words and ways to find lasting solutions to peace, justice, and equality for everyone. Remind us that we are all equal in God’s eyes and will remain that way for the rest of our existence, both on Earth and in Eternity. In Your Holy Name, we ask for guidance, acceptance, and assurance. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, please visit our website by clicking this link: www.erinpres.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called “Cross Purpose.” If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Cross Purpose.

Liberty and Mercy - James 2:12-13

James 2:12-13 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (NRSV)

Liberty is a big thing in the United States. Many of our folks would defend it at the cost of our lives and when we feel it is being suppressed or encroached upon, we speak out against those who are hindering or harming our right to be free. Our fierce independence is entwined with our liberty, so, therefore, it is not something to be trampled on or carelessly neglected.

However, James the brother of Jesus had a different notion about liberty because he associated it with acts of mercy. His belief as a Christian was that liberty is not the right to do what we want (that’s actually anarchy), it is a God-given, unalienable right which we should freely use to show mercy to others. In other words, because God graciously and mercifully grants us freedom, we should aspire to justly and liberally do the same.

Justice and mercy are the fruits of a free and faithful people. Liberty is not a selfish right we fiercely possess; it is a gracious gift that we as Christians should want to share. When we fail or deliberately choose not to show mercy, we place ourselves under God’s judgment, so we should be very careful about how we express our freedom. If we use it as a weapon to deny others grace, justice, and love, then we are in danger of giving God no other choice but to judge us by our own standards. So, let’s all try to live our lives as Christ once put it: ‘Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.’ (Matthew 5:7)

Application: Do I use my freedom to apply mercy to others, or am I guilty of preserving my liberty solely for myself?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You purchased God’s mercy for us by dying on the Cross even though we did not deserve such a gracious blessing. You freed us from the slavery of sin and selfishness. Challenge our ideas and opinions, as well as our hearts and minds, to not only receive Your mercy but to show the same to all. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings based on the beautiful Micah 6v8 Bible verse. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mercy.

May 23 devotion - Jesus and Justice

Isaiah 42:3b-4a           In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on Earth.

            We all have different ideas about justice and what it actually means. For some people, justice implies getting even with someone who wronged them. For others, it can mean making someone pay excessive damages and full reparations for a disappointment, mistake, or tragedy. Justice can also involve giving equal rights to those who have been marginalized by society, or degraded by our culture. It is also sought by those who are impoverished or oppressed throughout the world, where injustices are perpetrated by people in power. In fact, all across the Earth, billions of people are constantly seeking justice, human rights, and equality.

            Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 42 has been interpreted as a foretelling of the Messianic role Christ was to fulfill seven hundred years later. Jesus would become the Chosen Servant of God who entered the world to right all wrongs, bring justice to the powerless, and restore the dignity of God’s people who had been oppressed by the Romans. After His Resurrection and Ascension, He would be revered as the Judge of the entire Earth, who would ensure that the wicked are finally brought to justice and that the poor are exalted above all others in the future Heavenly Kingdom.

            As Christians, we are called to follow Christ, so the seeking and supporting of justice should be a key part of how we apply our faith. If we use our religion to lord it over other people, we have maligned Christ’s ministry. If, however, we focus on the equal rights of all people and see justice as a main emphasis of Christ’s teaching, then we will positively and effectively witness to God’s love and Christ’s grace. In other words, Justice and Jesus are fully entwined; you can’t have one without the other. You can’t serve Jesus without seeking Justice.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do I see injustice in my community? How can Christ’s Church seek and support justice for my community?

Prayer:             Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of the World, who brings good news to the poor and justice to the oppressed. Help us, as Your followers, to pursue justice in our communities and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings for Trinity Sunday. It’s called the ‘Triune Heart of the Universe.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Heart.

A Knoxville Story - Amos 6:7

Amos 6:7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end. (NIV)

            There’s a video of a young boy from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I live, which has gone viral with over 20 million views. In the video, the young lad is tearfully expressing to his mom that he is being relentlessly bullied in school. He wonders why this is happening and it is very hard to watch him break his heart. At one point he asks why people who are different should be treated this way. At the end of the video, he also says that things may get better one day.

            The response to the video has been overwhelming. Sports stars and celebrities have reached out to the boy and have promised to have lunch with him at school where most of the bullying takes place. News correspondents from across the nation have picked up on the story and many of them are praising the boy and his mother for having the courage to post the video on social media. A college fund has also been set up for the young lad, so that his future may be positive and strong. It’s an amazing example of how the internet can actually be a good thing; it’s a wonderful way of showing how human beings can reach out compassionately to the weak and powerless. Hopefully, those who bullied the boy will stop it and realize the error of their ways.

(You can read about the many positive responses to the video at this news link: http://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/celebrities-athletes-lawmakers-show-support-for-young-east-tennessee-boy-in-viral-video/51-498277490 )

            In today’s biblical passage from Amos, the ancient prophet is expressing God’s complaints against those who used their power, wealth, and prestige to oppress and bully the poor and powerless in their land. The message that God gives through Amos is quite stark and clear: in the time of judgment, God is coming after them first. They had been given power and authority to make things better, but they wasted that gift and used it to enrich and empower themselves. When God’s wrath was going to be visited upon the whole community, they would be the first to be punished and sent into exile. The divine message is simply this: God will show no mercy to the merciless.

            Such passages are a serious reminder for those in powerful positions that no matter how much faith they may express with their public words, if their actions bully and suppress the weak and powerless, they will be judged accordingly and punished severely.

Point to ponder

Where do I see bullying taking place in my community? What am I doing to defend the weak and speak out for the powerless?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, injustice and prejudice made You angry. Help us to sift out the intolerant and prejudicial ways within our communities which cause us to veer away from Your words and place us all under God’s judgment. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to send him a response to today’s message, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Nativity drawings called ‘A Child is Born.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Child.

Table Turner - Matthew 21:13

Matthew 21:13           “It is written,” Jesus said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (NIV)

            The Temple in Jerusalem was meant to be a sacred place where anyone’s prayers could be heard. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, if you sincerely wanted to ask God for help, you could actually do it within the Temple courtyards. Even foreigners and aliens were granted this privilege because the outer court was designated as a place of prayer for them. Unfortunately, in Christ’s time, the elite worshippers treated this area as an extra space to set up their money-changing tables, as well as the selling of all sorts of animals. It meant that the whole area became a menagerie of moneymakers, instead of being a quiet dignified place where foreigners could safely pray.

            This commercial set up angered Jesus for two reasons. Firstly, it dishonored God’s House of Prayer – it was a holy area for meditation, confession, and worship, not a wholesale arena for markets, commerce, or wares. Secondly, the place that was set aside for the foreigners had been designated by the grace of God; now it was being desecrated by the greed of men. Jesus condemned the bigotry and injustice that was taking place in God’s House, which is why He angrily turned over the tables and threw the money-changers out of the Temple courtyards.

            Faith and justice, as well as grace and mercy, were key components of Christ’s ministry. In this passage, He teaches all of us today that places of worship are holy areas and that how we treat foreigners does not go unnoticed by God. In a world which is increasingly beset by religious intolerance and contempt for outsiders, Christians should actually remind themselves of what Jesus did in the past and how that should influence what we do now. Such a personal reflection will not be comfortable, but then again, who said that having faith in Jesus was ever going to be easy?

Point to ponder

What made Jesus angry? Why should I deeply care about those things, too?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You want all people to freely come to God and receive His blessings. Help us to be gracious, compassionate, and loving to others, especially those who seem so different from ourselves. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs called ‘A New Earth.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: New.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Why Do the Wicked Prosper? - Jeremiah 12:1

Jeremiah 12:1             You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? (NIV)

            We all have to deal with pain and injury, loss and grief in our lives, which can sometimes greatly impact our faith. As Christians, we are not immune to being hurt, getting wounded, or experiencing pain. However, when we undergo such things, they can cause us to question God and may even seriously affect our trust in Him.

            The prophet Jeremiah was God’s spokesman at a time when his nation was suffering immensely. Some of it was caused by outside antagonistic military forces, but much of the suffering was generated through the cruelty, poverty, and injustice that Jeremiah’s elite leaders inflicted upon the common people. The prophet could not understand why these things were happening and so he questioned God’s lack of response, which allowed Jeremiah’s people to suffer unjustly. He even asked the age-old and largely unanswered questions: Why do wicked people prosper? Why do faithless people have easy lives?

            There are no easy answers to such questions even now, however, as Christians, we still believe in God’s justice, so there will be a time of reckoning for those who think they can do what they want, when they want, and to whomsoever they desire. Evil may gain the upper hand from time to time, but it will not always prevail. When Christ returns, all sinful things will be exposed and brought under God’s final judgment. For the wicked, it will be too late to repent and change their ways; for believers, it will be the moment of truth that we have all been waiting for.

            Wherever you go or whatever you face this week, please know this: God is in control and all things are known to Him. God will set things right and the wicked will be judged.

Questions for reflection

Where and when have I experienced injustice in my life? How did it impact my faith?

Have I ever been unjust to someone else? If so, have I asked Christ to forgive me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, life can be so unfair and unjust at times, but You know this because You suffered an unfair trial and underwent an unjust death. When we are appalled by wicked people in our world, remind us that Your goodness will triumph over all forms of evil on that Final and Holy Day of Your return. In Your Sacred Name, we wait and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about this message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings, based on a verse from Psalm 106. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 106.

Justice Devotion - Rescue Me - Psalm 144:11

Psalm 144:11  Rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.

            Yesterday, on Facebook, some people posted a tragic picture of a child who had been drowned by the shores of the Mediterranean. The wee lad just looked as though he was sleeping. He was only about 2-3 years old. His parents had been trying to flee Syria from the ISIS terrorists. Thousands of people have been filling boats and small ships to over-capacity, as they try to escape to European lands where they hope to be granted asylum. It’s a terrible tragedy because hundreds of these migrants have drowned due to their vessels capsizing. They flee for their lives, carrying whatever they can, trying to protect their families, only to drown on the stormy Mediterranean seas.

            The fleeing people are looking to the rest of the world to help them in their plight. They are desperately seeking safety and sanctuary, in the face of an unrestrained evil army of thugs and fanatics, the likes of which the world has not seen since the Serbian-Croatian conflict from twenty years ago.

            For the sake of these fleeing migrants – men, women, and children – the political leaders of our nations need to offer more help, better placement, and, ultimately, more protection against ISIS. If nothing more is done, then we will sadly see more infants’ bodies on Mediterranean shores. We need to rescue, embrace, and support all those who flee; we need to protect and care for those who are desperately seeking asylum.

Question for reflection

How would I feel if my family was endangered by fanatics? Where would I go to flee the danger?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, open our nations to receive those who are fleeing from evil. Challenge us into caring for the least among us and the most scared around us. Remind us that to do nothing will enable evil to prevail. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s church bulletin cover drawings based on the words of Psalm 125. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Psalm 125.

Church devotion - The Road to Freedom - Psalm 119:45

Psalm 119:45           I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

            The Confederate Flag will be taken down in Charleston, South Carolina today, which will be a good thing. As much as I love the South and living among Southern people, racism is still a blight which tarnishes the brightness of this beautiful region.

            For some people, the flag is a symbol of heritage and history. For others, it is an emblem of segregation and injustice. Whatever it was, there is no doubt in my mind as to what it has become: an icon of white privilege and racial oppression.

            Freedom is a fragile gift, given to us by God. It is a blessing that we are meant to share. Liberty, equality, and justice are the three fundamental bedrocks of true freedom, just as hope, faith, and love are at the heart of real and authentic Christianity. Hatred and bigotry, as well as racism and prejudice, threaten our freedom; they are the cruel channels of fear and tyranny, as well as being the devil’s instruments of social and moral terrorism.

            Taking down the Confederate Flag in Charleston signifies the beginning of a long and laborious process of actively ensuring that all people, who are created equal, are treated, respected, and accepted as equals all across this beautiful land. It will take years of courage and commitment, as well as tears of fortitude and faith, to make our nation what we claim and sing it to be: a home of the brave, and a land of the free!

Questions for personal reflection

Am I willing to accept the challenge to truly walk in freedom? Am I ready to make changes in my life that will help to actively create a nation and world that is free?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, we live in challenging and changing times. Be the Rock of our salvation, as well as the Foundation of our freedom. Challenge our ways and change us, too. In Your Holy Name, we freely pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Candle for America.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Candle.

Peacemaking devotion: His Last Miracle - Luke 22:51

Luke 22:51    But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (NIV)

            It was His last miracle. When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, one of His disciples tried to defend Christ with a sword and ended up cutting off the ear of one of the High Priest’s guards. It was a valiant effort, but a wasteful one. It was also something that Jesus did not condone.

            Instead of calling upon His disciples to attack the mob, Jesus sternly called for an end to the violence. He was not going to be party to any defense of His person; He was not going to start a protest, a rout, or a rebellion. In order to show how committed He was to being a peacemaker, Jesus healed the guard immediately. He didn’t want anyone else to suffer, not even His enemies.

            As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in our communities, as well as across the world. This is very difficult to do because, like most human beings, we get angry and feel justified about diminishing our opponents or destroying our enemies. It’s very easy for us, and even for me as a pastor, to get caught up in foolish quarrels and trivial arguments which do nothing to promote Christ’s teaching, God’s love, or the Spirit’s way. We want to feel strong by humiliating our foes; we want to be crusaders for religious causes, both of which, Jesus would not condone.

            Christ’s last healing miracle was how He personally practiced His radical teaching of loving our enemies and forgiving those who hurt us. He not only showed His disciples how to practice their faith, but He also beautifully exemplified His teaching to His foes, especially the guard who was the injured victim of the disciples’ religious zeal. This is an important lesson about peacemaking for all of us who call ourselves ‘Christian’.

Questions for personal reflection

How has the practicing of my faith hurt other people? What would Christ have me do to remedy this?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, Your Life constantly challenges us. Every moment and every incident in the Gospels has been recorded to teach us about how our Christian faith should be lived. Forgive us, Lord, when we neglect Your lessons; help us to become better witnesses of Your peace and love. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. John is always interested in your thoughts. And, if you ever find yourself in Knoxville on a Sunday morning, the people at Erin will make you feel welcome and will be delighted to worship with you.

Today’s image is John’s latest stained glass drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Glass.