One Bad Apple
Talk about a buzzkill. Adam and Eve were living the good life, streaking around in public, naming animals, no worries in the world. Then someone crashes the party and charms Eve to get what he wants (can anyone relate?). Now we have what is the biggest butterfly effect in the history of the world. What was one not so innocent apple has set off a complete fallout of one of my favorite words, “Shalom”. Shalom depicts a sense of peace, wholeness and living life to its fullness (what we Idealists dream about). Unfortunately, shalom has been shattered into pieces and the billions of people living in the world today are wondering, “Why is this Happening to Me?”
Talk about a buzzkill. Adam and Eve were living the good life, streaking around in public, naming animals, no worries in the world. Then someone crashes the party and charms Eve to get what he wants (can anyone relate?). Now we have what is the biggest butterfly effect in the history of the world. What was one not so innocent apple has set off a complete fallout of one of my favorite words, “Shalom”. Shalom depicts a sense of peace, wholeness and living life to its fullness (what we Idealists dream about). Unfortunately, shalom has been shattered into pieces and the billions of people living in the world today are wondering, “Why is this Happening to Me?”
Delicious Low-Fat, 0 Calorie Justice
We’re all wired to know Shalom. We know something is missing in our lives, there is a hole inside us that we constantly try to fill with trinkets and toys, sex and food. We begin stealing things, oppressing people and abusing whoever we might think could gain us that “shalom” feeling even if its just for a few minutes. Our journey to feel satisfied ends up furthering the brokenness and injustice of the world. Jesus has something to say about our need to satisfy the ache and emptiness we feel because He knows we’re hungry for something. Jesus says those that hunger for justice or righteousness will be blessed.
You may be in the middle of turmoil in your life. There may be a huge mountain that needs to be moved before there can be any forgiveness. Financial support might have dried up. Maybe there’s a long bridge that needs to be built to reach someone in need. Someone has biten your hand while you tried to feed them. Doors have been locked and closed. Jesus teaches that to only desire for righteousness or justice you will be blessed. Those that have ached and ran on empty doing ministry are blessed. Those that are frustrated at the amount of injustice in the world are blessed. I believe Jesus says this because our hunger drives us to action.
Who’s Got the Last Word?
One thing that frustrates me is seeing people oppress those that oppress others. Two wrongs never make a right (cheesy I know). Those that hunger for justice must make sure they do not create other injustices while they fight for other noble causes. All politics aside I think it is inherently wrong that killing is viewed necessary to stop those that kill. I also think that it is inherently wrong that people should be turned away from satisfactory healthcare when it is available. I don’t know exactly the best way to go about creating justice in the world but I do know one thing, that God will have the last word. It would be naive of us to think that God’s way is not the best way.
I believe Godly justice comes through humble dialogue not prideful arguing.
I believe Godly justice comes through action not complaining.
I believe Godly justice comes through perseverance not gossip.
I believe Godly justice comes through the Church not government.
I believe Godly justice comes through nonviolence not physical abuse.
I believe Godly justice comes through free will not oppression.
I believe Godly justice comes through faith, hope and love.
God says one day everything will be put back to its rightful place. One day there will be no more tears, no more fears, no more burdens and we will see Jesus face-to-face. Until then we hunger, ache and hope for God’s kingdom to come soon. May you find pieces of shalom scattered around the world. May you hunger for Shalom. May you trust that God will have the last word.
