Love not war.
The image in this passage of people beating swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks was written figuratively some two and half thousand years ago, it is still the dream of all peace-loving people and has come to symbolize disarmament. It is a hope of all who want to live in peace. This means that those who wish to walk the walk of peace-making will use their energy and imagination to help nations to bring disarmament. The text calls all who want peace to get involved in political processes, to work from within existing structures, to invent new structures, all for the purpose of bringing about the realization of the vision.
The situation in the Middle East is far from the visions of Isaiah and Micah and leaves many asking will Israel ever be at peace. The reading from Isaiah speaks of a time when God’s people will seek God’s will and then to put it into practice in their societies. It is a beautiful dream, of God’s people to lead the way and seeking to create a world of peace. Sadly, over the century’s God’s people have not always set the best examples. If we are going to have peace, people will have to learn to love one another and work together in peace. All the denomination of the Christian Church could take the lead and set a good example to others. But the most pressing problems are in the Middle East and Ukraine. The leaders of the different groups seem blind to the suffering they are causing and unable to bring themselves to work for a peaceful solution to man-made conflicts.
The passage in John gives the commandant to the disciples to love one another, as Jesus loved them. The passage was preceded by “I am the true vine”. The love that Jesus has for his disciple is clear and we should rejoice in its reality. We can depend on it to support us, doing nothing to harm our relationship with Jesus, but on the contrary engaging in that which delights the lover. Not surprisingly then to remain in our loving relationship with God our Father we must keep his commands and remain in his love. In John’s gospel the obedience of Jesus to his father is frequently mentioned. (John 4.34, 6.38, and 8.29) the climax of this love was Jesus yielding his life for the salvation of humankind.
The sacrifice that Jesus made was also made by many of his disciples who died in the service of God, as they sought to tell the world about Jesus. In the history of the Christian Church there have been many martyrs, and those who have suffered torture and oppression because of their faith, this is still happening in our world. I am sure that most of you are probably like me, if asked, are you prepared to give your life in the service Jesus, you would think long and hard before answering.
The command to love their neighbour: Can be seen in those who are motivated to show that love through caring. Christian Aid, Church action on poverty, medical staff including doctors & nurses, who give up lives of comfort to help those who live in harsh conditions in the developing world plus help the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed. Giving up our lives for Christ may make us stop and think about what we should do, but when our friends and family are threaten then most people would not hesitate to help them. The giving of one life for one’s friends or family is the possibly the greatest act of love. We saw this when Jesus gave himself up to the authorities who crucified him.
For those who are in our armed forces daily risking their lives to protect their country and protect our freedom from those who would do us harm. War is a terrible thing which causes loss of innocent lives. I believe we should give support to our armed forces and work to bring pressure on political leaders to work for peace in our world, so that Isaiah’s and Micah’s vision can be fulfil.
When we accept Christ into our lives, we have a responsibility to care for others. It is in love we are sent out into the world to love one another. Loving someone is better than arguing and fighting. Jesus’ life was a clear demonstration of God’s love. Jesus called us to be his partners in God’s work. He chooses us to be his representatives. (Ambassadors) We are chosen to be an advertisement of his love. We are privileged members of the family of God and our heavenly Father response to our needs. That love challenges us to love others as much as we love ourselves and to bring peace in our world through our own actions. To love others and not engage into conflict should be the guiding light of all who follow Jesus and be lights of love to the rest of the world.
We must pray that peace will come to those areas of the world where there are wars and violent conflict.
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