Like Jesus
    It can be difficult to watch the news. Newsmakers speak excessively - sometimes their words feel empty, sometimes thoughtless and aggressive, sometimes wise. There are terror attacks in London, car bombs in Kabul, destruction in Aleppo, trouble in south Sudan. There is illness and death, fractured relationships, selfishness and greed. These occur in the world the media shows us. These occur in our own lives, in our own 'backyards'. The world can be a hard place. In John 16:33 Jesus tells us: "I have told you these things (read the rest of John 16), so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
    Do we really want to be like Jesus? Then we must seek to be what he was. Blessed are the peacemakers, said Jesus. "In other words, deeply contented will be those who bring God's shalom to broken people and are the hands of God to a world desperately in need of healing in the chaos. They expect conflict but continue to build hospitals, provide homeless shelters, minister to the broken and lost, and lead relief efforts anyway. They may be dismissed, because they are hypocritical and sinful people, as we all are. But they embrace God's goodness and grace, and love God above everything else and love their neighbours regardless."
    In all of it, this remains. Our God reigns. He is greater. The word of the Lord will endure forever. God has called us to serve in a broken world, bringing the good news of the gospel and living as disciples of Jesus who are focussed on advancing his kingdom. Do not let the problems of today distract you from your kingdom calling. Teach these things to your children. Model them for your children. Do not let the troubles cause you to lose hope in the One who truly reigns. We worship the Lord. We serve him only. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and might. Love your neighbour. That is the kingdom mission of those who are called to be like Jesus.
(Source: called-to-lead.com/?p=2288 by Jeff Blamer, Christian Schools InternationaI, Nov 1, 2016.)

                            C. Verbeek