Re:Verse passage – Psalm 85:1-3, 8-13 (day two)
Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. v. 10
During the second week of Advent, we focus on peace. There is something beyond the beautiful imagery of this verse in Psalm 85. At first glance it seems these terms work wonderfully well together: lovingkindness and truth, righteousness and peace. However, it doesn’t take much for us to look around and notice people who hold the truth are often very unloving. Righteousness, more often than not, is accompanied by a vindictive or punitive spirit. This is the reality of our fallen world. The idea that we bring truth with love is still a radical one. Two thousand years removed from Jesus commanding us to offer the other cheek to someone who strikes us, we are still struggling with a sense of justice that takes rather than gives. We have to be prepared to lose. To lose a battle, a friend, ground, or whatever for the sake of mercy. The ‘battle’ is a long one, and we must keep sight that our momentary ‘victory’ should not cost an opportunity to show love. A reminder to breathe, pray, and trust the Lord when you are given an opportunity to be a peacemaker.
Heavy, but DEEP, much needed thought provoking words for this season following the election.
Thank you Aaron