Title Let's Reconcile
Contents
“He rejoiced to be reconciled to himself through him in all things, things on earth and things in heaven, having made peace with the blood of his cross.”
A rabbi had 12 sons. His home was a community of reconciliation and love. My father always emphasized brotherly friendship and encouraged each other to live.
One night, while the family was sleeping, a son came to the rabbi and said, "Father, the other brothers sleep, but I do not sleep and have time to pray." said. Then the rabbi smiled and said:
"Son, it shouldn't be like that. It's better to sleep with another brother than to be mistreated by another brother."
When people in the world get angry, they fight at once and then release them. However, if anger arises between brothers and they feud, it is not easily resolved and the resentment deepens. Esau and Jacob are good examples. Even if one side tries to reconcile, the angry side does not accept the request for reconciliation by hanging a door bar with a hard heart like the door bar of a fortress. But even the door bars of this hardened heart are opened in the grace of Christ. Because only in Jesus is true forgiveness and reconciliation. When we forgive unconditionally, anger loses its place, and true reconciliation takes place and reconciliation occurs.
“It is harder to be reconciled to a brother to anger than to take a fortified city; such quarrels are like the bars of a stronghold” (Proverbs 18:19).
Christianity is a religion of reconciliation. Reconciliation is the thing that pleases God the most. The purpose for which Jesus came to this earth was also to bring reconciliation. Jesus sacrificed thoroughly for reconciliation until he died on the cross. How should we all live in order to be reconciled?
First, we must be reconciled to God. God created us. He loves us, saves us, cares for us, and provides us with life and food every day. We must first be reconciled to God. Jesus became the 'reconciliation offering' to make peace between God and us. We too should imitate the Lord and become peacemakers. Job 22:21 says, "Be at peace with God, and good will come to you." Man became enemies with God because of sin and the devil. But Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God. So, if you accept Jesus as the Prince of Peace, all your sins will be forgiven, you will be reconciled to God, and you will enjoy the blessing of eternal life.
"If a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7).
Second, the family must be harmonious. In particular, you need to be reconciled with your parents. No one is born without parents. We grew up on the love of our parents, sweat and blood. Therefore, as a child, you should be filial to your parents and be at peace with your parents.
“It is better for a house to be at peace with only a dry piece of bread than for a house full of flesh and strife” (Proverbs 17:1).
Third, we must be at peace with our neighbors. We cannot live without our neighbors. Neighbors are grateful people who help us directly or indirectly. We must not be enemies with them.
Two antlers entangled with each other in an old monastery near Bebenhausen, Germany. The two deer were discovered many years ago. The deer could not fall apart by shoving each other's antlers into each other while fighting, and in the end both of them died.
“If you bite and bite each other, be careful lest you perish one another” (Galatians 5:15).
Fourth, leaders and the people must be at peace. We are happy because we have a homeland. Therefore, leaders and people must be at peace.
“Let each one be subject to the authorities that are above him. There is no authority except from God, and all authority is ordained of God” (Romans 13:1).
Fifth, we must be at peace with nature. No human being can survive without nature. Humans belong to nature and are a part of nature. We must recognize the value of nature and be at peace with it.
Nature has no words. Even in silence, the power of nature is great. It is for this reason that we are calling for conservation of nature these days. Humans are required to make efforts to coexist together by cherishing and protecting nature. Due to the pollution committed by humans, nature has begun to turn away from humans. For some time, people have misunderstood the concept of conquering nature. This drought must also be seen as a wrath of nature.
Sixth, we must be at peace with the world. The world is our arena. Realizing that the world is our neighbor, we must reconcile with the consciousness of becoming global citizens without discrimination of ethnicity or race.
“As far as possible, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).
Reconciliation with God, reconciliation with family, reconciliation with neighbors, reconciliation with leaders, reconciliation with nature, and reconciliation with the world are the most important things. I wish that 2008 will be the year when these six great reconciliations are realized.
* Prayer: Lord, who said to be reconciled to one another, change our hearts and give us new hope. We want to be people of peace, not controlled by feelings of anger. Help us to become those who preach the gospel of peace. Make me worthy to receive the peace you give me. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.