Yield Your Sword
November 11, 2020
Happy Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day (in Canada)! Today we honor and remember the men and women who have served their countries, and continue to serve during times of war, conflict, and peace.
Every day, when I drive in or out of my development, Liberty Square, and see the sign marking my neighborhood, I am reminded of the liberties I have. I have these freedoms because many have lain down their lives, or continue to put their lives on the line for them!
My father is my most favorite veteran among my relatives and friends who serve in the military. However, as much as I honor and remember them, I think mostly of the ultimate Peacemaker, Jesus Christ! It is He, who on the cross, triumphed in bridging the gap, especially between God and man! On the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to reconcile with God.
“14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…., 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Ephesians 2: 14-16
How I long for peace! How you must long for peace! Yet, it may not be something we experience this side glory. There may be no end to the clashing of swords, the hostility which pervades our society, and the battles which presently exist on our American soil. However, within each of our control is the choice to put down our sword-like tongues, and bless others with our words, rather than pierce the heart of another!
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”- Proverbs 12: 18 (NIV)
Will you join me today in honoring our military servants? Will you also join the ranks of those who cease to wield their hostile swords, and choose instead, to yield their tongues in the service of blessing others?
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life,”- Proverbs 15: 4