Intuition says 'meet violence with (greater) violence.' But what happens if we actually have faith in God and hearken to Kingdom values? It's an issue because they're typically counter-intuitive, and strike us as wrong. Let's discern an answer to that question about the Prince of Peace coming amid a world of violence, destruction, and death.
First, intuition is developed through experience, and we end up projecting our intuitive knowledge in similar occasions, places, and people. But we can be very wrong in our reliance on intuition, and wrong-headed.
When introducing the counter-intuitive nature of God's word and way in the scriptures, in the life and teachings of Jesus, and in the ways of faith practiced, that intuition that we've grown so fond of can be a real handicap. We can actively resist and deny the wisdom and counsel of God and Christ, clinging to the things we feel are deep down right.
The prophet Micah recalls Bethlehem in his prophecy, the birthplace of iconic King David. He prophecies a new ruler in a new age. Given the context of this prophecy, it is quite visionary. From this strong ruler, somehow - we don't know how - peace will be the result.
In the Magnificat or Mary's song in Luke 1, the oddly chosen woman to bear the Chosen One of God shows recognition of this strange and unique blessing. Her song describes the great changes that will come from this
One to be born. It is never mentioned just how these things will happen.
The song begins with an emphasis on mercy, and ends with a focus on faithfulness. It seems these are two key values that bracket Mary's song. How do they apply?
Let's return to that question of a couple of weeks ago; does religion have something to say to our violent, warring world? To see how this works out, check out the sermon video below and help yourself to the downloads below the video panel.
First, intuition is developed through experience, and we end up projecting our intuitive knowledge in similar occasions, places, and people. But we can be very wrong in our reliance on intuition, and wrong-headed.
When introducing the counter-intuitive nature of God's word and way in the scriptures, in the life and teachings of Jesus, and in the ways of faith practiced, that intuition that we've grown so fond of can be a real handicap. We can actively resist and deny the wisdom and counsel of God and Christ, clinging to the things we feel are deep down right.
The prophet Micah recalls Bethlehem in his prophecy, the birthplace of iconic King David. He prophecies a new ruler in a new age. Given the context of this prophecy, it is quite visionary. From this strong ruler, somehow - we don't know how - peace will be the result.
In the Magnificat or Mary's song in Luke 1, the oddly chosen woman to bear the Chosen One of God shows recognition of this strange and unique blessing. Her song describes the great changes that will come from this
One to be born. It is never mentioned just how these things will happen.
The song begins with an emphasis on mercy, and ends with a focus on faithfulness. It seems these are two key values that bracket Mary's song. How do they apply?
Let's return to that question of a couple of weeks ago; does religion have something to say to our violent, warring world? To see how this works out, check out the sermon video below and help yourself to the downloads below the video panel.
| 12-20-15-ff-answers.pdf |
| 12-20-15-the_strength_of_the_lord_of_peace.pdf |