For many of us, we have walked with Jesus so long we forget – or, dare I say, neglect – the reality that we live inside an earthly scandal.
I have been struck most recently by the frequency with which prayers of the Old and New Testaments alike begin with a reminder of who God is.
The words of the psalmist pierce my soul: “But who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).
Take time this Sabbath to meditate on today’s passage – 1 Peter 3:18–22 (NLT) – reflecting on what it means in relation to the peace of Christ.
Each Saturday during Lent, we will explore a story or profile of peace in action: people who are acting as shalom-bearers in our world.
The church has been at its best when it has not lorded power over others but humbly served them, showing the way and the love and the humility of God become flesh.
But the peace that comes from God does not come from us straining to make our plans happen. This doesn’t mean we don’t plan or dream, but we do so open-handedly.
In Isaiah 58, God, through his prophet, calls out the people of Israel for their false piety. It’s true they were fasting and acting penitent, but it was all a show.