Psalm 122 Fighting for.......Peace?

Psalm 122:7-8

(Speaking of Jerusalem)

May there be peace within your walls

And security within your citadels.

For the sake of my brothers and friends,

I will say……..

 ”Peace be within you”.

Jerusalem…….

Possession of Peace.

Jerusalem………

The City of The Great King.

Jerusalem………

What are we to make of this city?

So much blood shed for a city whose very name is……

“Possession of Peace”.

Maybe there is a lesson for us in Jerusalem………

At least Jerusalem  of the past……..

And Jerusalem of these present times.

Peace is opposed…….

Love is opposed……..

Life………

Deep, Real, Wonderful, Abundant Life with our God…….

It is opposed in this world…….

Especially in these present times.

Friends……….

There is a price to pay for peace in these times.

There is a battle to fight against an enemy……

An enemy who is………….Defeated.

Defeated……..

Yet he fights on………Stealing…… Killing…….Trying to destroy……….

A lion seeking to devour……..

Devour all that is precious to our God.

Friends…..

Like Jerusalem, we must contend………

We must contend for the peace that Christ Jesus has won for us.

The New Jerusalem is coming.

All things will be made new.

All things will be made right.

Our God has prevailed….

Our God will prevail…..

Ah…. But for now,

Yes, for now we must………fight.

Oh, and don’t forget……..

Don’t forget your weapons……..

Truth…… Faith……. Hope……Mercy……Kindness……Love…….

The weapons of ………Peace!

John 14:27 (Jesus speaking)

“Peace I leave with you;

My peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Father, Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus,

Rise up in us to courageously contend for…….

Peace.

Amen