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- Apr 25, 2006
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16 January 2008
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 5-7
Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
"Gentle Jesus, weak and mild" - well it should be meek rather than weak, but what's the difference? Gentle and kind? Soft and pathetic? Is this the type of Christianity we are called to live out - I don't think so!
Consider Jesus. Mocked, verbally and physically abused, spat on, whipped mercilessly, with a crown of thorns rammed onto his head. He is at the very extremity of physical and psychological endurance. What astonishing strength of character it takes for Jesus to remain "gentle and kind." He could zap the lot of them, striking them with bolts of lightening, yet he offers no words of complaint or condemnation.
I don't quite know how we have managed to present Christianity as an insipid, pale, weak-kneed form of escapism for those who can't cope with the real world. Our founder, leader, role model and guide had more bottle than the Milk Marketing Board!
Staying cool, showing restraint and patience, refusing to panic, fret or fight back, that is the kind of peace borne out of strength that I need.
Jesus, your strength was rooted in your relationship with the Father. May I be strong in you, as you fill me with your unmatchable peace. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 5-7
Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
"Gentle Jesus, weak and mild" - well it should be meek rather than weak, but what's the difference? Gentle and kind? Soft and pathetic? Is this the type of Christianity we are called to live out - I don't think so!
Consider Jesus. Mocked, verbally and physically abused, spat on, whipped mercilessly, with a crown of thorns rammed onto his head. He is at the very extremity of physical and psychological endurance. What astonishing strength of character it takes for Jesus to remain "gentle and kind." He could zap the lot of them, striking them with bolts of lightening, yet he offers no words of complaint or condemnation.
I don't quite know how we have managed to present Christianity as an insipid, pale, weak-kneed form of escapism for those who can't cope with the real world. Our founder, leader, role model and guide had more bottle than the Milk Marketing Board!
Staying cool, showing restraint and patience, refusing to panic, fret or fight back, that is the kind of peace borne out of strength that I need.
Jesus, your strength was rooted in your relationship with the Father. May I be strong in you, as you fill me with your unmatchable peace. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark
