Speaking of Life 2028 | Making Something Out of Nothing
Michelle Fleming

Have you ever made something out of nothing?

If you take that question figuratively to mean, have you ever made a big deal out of something seemingly insignificant, you probably could answer yes. But if you take that question literally, then the answer would have to be no. It’s impossible to literally make something out of nothing.

But what if we asked the Triune God that same question? Has the Father, Son and Spirit ever made something out of nothing?

Well, if that question is literal, the answer would be—YES. In fact, throughout the history of the Church the biblical witness of creation has been understood as the Trinity literally creating all things out of nothing. That will blow your mind if you try to figure it out. It’s something only God can do. Humans have no capacity to create out of nothing or to even understand it. It’s a mystery to us.

Now, what if we ask God the same question figuratively. Does the Father, Son and Spirit ever “make something out of nothing?” Does the Trinity ever make a big deal out of something seemingly insignificant?

According to Psalm 8 it seems the answer to that question is also—YES!

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you
have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you
care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with
glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5 (NRSV)

Not only did the Triune God create humans out of nothing, he creates us, as insignificant as we may seem, in his own image. So both literal and figurative understandings of God creating something out of nothing are awe-inspiring.

When we try to ground our existence in any source other than the Triune God, we will lose the incredible significance of what it means to be human.

So, if you ever feel like your life has come to nothing or that you are a nobody, I encourage you to turn to your Triune Creator. Turns out, our God specializes in making something out of nothing and turning nobodies into somebodies.

I’m Michelle Fleming, Speaking of Life.

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Speaking Of Life 2027 | And that End is Love
Greg Williams

Most of the writing we have from Paul addresses issues coming up in the churches he planted. In the Corinthian letters we have dialogue with a fledgling church in a complex, cosmopolitan city.

And many times in his letters, Paul addresses the phenomenon of tongues—called glossolalia in Greek. The important history here is that glossolalia—at least speaking a semi-coherent language in worship—was common in the surrounding cults in the area.

Those who had this experience were considered the elite. One of Paul’s major issues was dealing with one-upmanship and ego wars that resulted from this. People used this gift of the Spirit as a way to bump their social status and pull the spotlight over to themselves.

Paul writes:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV)

Notice that Paul is writing about the many gifts given—everything from administration to healing to tongues. And he gives the same reason—the one purpose— for them all: the common good. All the gifts are given by one Lord for the good of the Body of Christ.

In the very next section of this letter, Paul writes what is commonly referred to as “The Love Chapter.” We’ve all heard these words at weddings: “Love is patient, love is kind…” And while they work for weddings, they weren’t written about romantic love. These verses, like the spiritual gifts, describe the love and connection of the community, which is at the heart of his letters to believers in Corinth. The gifts are to be used in love—and all for the good of the church community.

While many like to focus on their individual gifts, God calls us out of ourselves and into relationship. He calls us into a deeper and richer life as we work out the Christian life in community.

As humans, we naturally pair off. Any odd number makes for the old cliche of the “third wheel.” We start in-crowding and excluding and cliquing up—the more people, the worse it gets.

Isn’t it amazing then that God is three in one? That the center of reality is a trinity? This miraculous relationship is the nucleus of everything and is fundamental to who God is.

The church in Corinth, like the church today, was distracted by the gifts of the Spirit which were given as a means to an end. And that end is love.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life

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Speaking Of Life 2026 | Any Takers
Anthony Mullins

What if I told you I have a rich uncle who owns a cruise line and he’s inviting people to take a free cruise of a lifetime? That’s right, all expenses paid, day and night paradise at sea. Any takers?

Well, I guess you may have a few questions for me first, right? I mean, you probably don’t want to sign up just because it’s free. You probably want to know:

What’s the cruise line?

When does it leave and, more importantly, where does it go?

What will the food be like?

What about the cabins? Will I be in a suite with a deck overlooking the ocean or will it be one of those cramped rooms down below next to the boiler?

Or how about… What will I be doing? Will there be interesting ports of call, exciting shows, entertainment and fun activities. Or is this a trick to get free labor.

Well, you can relax. It’s not a trick or bait-n-switch. It’s the finest cruise line available with exquisite dining, exotic sightseeing and extravagant lodging. You will not be disappointed. In fact, it’s more than words can describe. Let’s just say, it’s to die for.

Any takers now?

Oh wait, I forgot to mention. There is one more minor detail that may be important.

You’ll be traveling… with my uncle.

In fact, you’ll be cabin mates. You will eat all your meals together and he will join you for every excursion. Don’t worry, he promises he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Now, do I have any takers?

Something tells me you have another question?

Who is your uncle?

Can I trust him? Or should I sleep with one eye open?

Does he snore?

What’s he like? Nice? Mean? Weird?

Is he a bore?

I get it. You are going to want to know everything you can about my uncle before you jump on that boat.

I would.

Well, you probably realize I don’t really have a rich uncle offering free cruise tickets. But I do know someone offering something far better.

We are told in the bible that Jesus has the authority to give eternal life.

Have you ever noticed the questions that are often asked about eternal life? They are similar to my made-up cruise questions.

Sometimes eternal life is talked about like its some kind of eternal heavenly cruise that we take without God. This understanding of eternal life is to miss the boat.

Jesus gives us a better question to ask by telling us plainly what eternal life is. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says:

“Now this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 (NRSV)

This focuses our questions, not on the what, when, and where of eternal life, but on the who. Who is this true God we will be spending all eternity with? Jesus is the only one who can tell us. After all, he knows his Father perfectly. As we come to know Jesus, we began an eternal journey of knowing the Father. And he has assured us we won’t be disappointed.

Any takers?

I’m Anthony Mullins, Speaking of Life

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Speaking Of Life 2025 | Where is Your Areopagus?

Greg Williams

It’s fascinating to observe how Christians engage with non-Christians in dialogue about the gospel. So often, we fall into one of two ditches when sharing the gospel. On the one side, we can accost people with tracts or abruptly tell them about Jesus even when they are not asking. On the other side, we can believe ourselves to be a “silent witness” and never share the reason for our hope even in our closest relationships. Both sides are mistaken, both ditches are easy to fall into.

Notice Paul at work.

The place where he spoke to them was the Areopagus, which was the venue for discussing legal and religious matters. This is a prominent stone platform which is still in Athens. In Paul’s day, people discussed philosophy and other world views here. He went to the place and time of day these matters were discussed. He didn’t randomly accost people on the street.

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:22-23 (ESV)

This is the beginning of one of Paul’s most famous speeches. He’s addressing the people of Athens who were constantly hearing the new philosophies that came through town.

 “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” He approaches them with respect for their way of life and worth as seekers. He even quotes the Stoic philosopher Aratus in verse 28: “…even some of your own poets have said, ‘for we are indeed his offspring.’” This is a cultural voice they knew, and Paul quotes him respectfully.

Then the conversation takes a turn:

Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. Acts 17:29 (ESV)

When the moment comes to speak the truth, Paul doesn’t hesitate. He speaks the truth with pointed clarity and then let’s them react as they will. Some mock him, some want to discuss it further, and some fully convert. He doesn’t drive the point into the ground, he doesn’t remain silent, he says what he needs to and lets God take over.

Where is your Areopagus? Where can you approach those that haven’t heard the gospel and speak the truth boldly, yet with respect and love? Then when you’ve said your piece, do you let God do the work from there?

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life

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Speaking Of Life 2024 | Making Room

Jeff Broadnax

What do you do in a 3-bedroom home when you grow into a 5-bedroom family?

I know a man who faced this very dilemma. His family had outgrown the small house he and his wife lived in. Moving wasn’t an answer and staying together went without question.

But they weren’t worried. They had a plan for expansion.

The house listed three bedrooms but hidden behind a small “crawlspace” door attached to the back of the house was a surprise. It led into a huge unfinished section of basement that could more than double their sleeping quarters. From the outside, you wouldn’t even know it existed.

The man had once been a carpenter, so he knew how to prepare that area into extra living space when needed.

And that’s exactly what he did. It took time, and some blood, sweat and tears, but in the end, there was plenty of room for everyone in the family. After the “crawlspace” door was relocated inside the house, it provided a way of access between this new section and the rest of the home.

This story reminded me of another carpenter whose Father sent him to make preparations to expand the family. His name is Jesus. Only he wasn’t just adding a few rooms to a house. He was preparing a way for everyone to live with his Father.

Have you ever been told that you need to make room for God in your life? That may sound like a daunting task considering how big God is.

But Jesus has another word for you. He wants you to know that his Father makes room for you. The Apostle John wrote down Jesus’ words that tell us just that:

“There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” John 14:2-3 (MSG)

Jesus’ Father does not intend to live without you. It took Jesus plenty of blood, sweat and tears. But you can rest assured knowing that the Father’s house has a room prepared just for you.

I’m Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life.

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Speaking Of Life 2023 | The Voice in the Dark

Greg Williams

In the military they have a saying: the mark of a true chaplain is that your soldiers know your voice in the dark. You should have spent so much time with them, and they trust you so deeply, that even in the darkness and smoke of battle they know your voice.

Jesus talks about this recognition in John 10:3-4

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. John 10:3-4 (ESV)

We, as Jesus’ sheep, know his voice deep down. In our spirits, we can recognize his voice calling to us through the circumstances of our lives and through his word.

Studies show that even in the womb a mother’s voice soothes a baby. The heartbeat relaxes and the baby responds. Sound is deeply wired into our consciousness.

So, it’s no surprise that Jesus would portray his draw on our lives as the sound of his voice. The actual image used here is probably of a communal pen where the sheep were kept. The Shepherd came to the gate and called them, and they’d be drawn by his voice.

These aren’t smart animals. Sheep wander off, they eat manure, they get snatched by predators. Their only hope is a protective Shepherd. Jesus describes a shepherd as one who calls and leads, not the driving, abusive person shepherds sometimes were. He calls gently, and he leads with mercy.

May we be so attuned to him that we know his voice in the dark. In the difficulties of our lives, in the loud, distracted age in which we live, may we hear his voice above it all—encouraging, leading and guiding.

I’m Greg Williams, speaking of life.

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Speaking Of Life 2022 | Ransomed from Futility

Michelle Fleming

There’s a short story by author Amy Hempfel called “A Man in Bogota.” It’s a fictional story of a wealthy man who was kidnapped in South America and held for a million dollars ransom. It took his wife time to get the money – around three months. The kidnapped man wasn’t in the best of health. He had a heart condition, and his kidnappers needed to keep him alive to collect the money. So they wouldn’t let him smoke, and they made him exercise every day. They even changed his diet. After his wife paid the ransom, they let the man go. When his doctor examined him, he said the man was in excellent health, far better health than before he was kidnapped.  

The story asks the reader the question, “how do we know that what happens to us isn’t good?” Though this man was held captive by his kidnappers, he also was unknowingly the captive of a lifestyle that was affecting his health. 

The idea of “ransom” means that someone is “bought back” from some sort of captor. While a captor can be an actual person, it also can be a negative mindset, an addiction, or a set of bad habits, as we see in the story. Though we may not realize it, we also have been held captive by a negative mindset or way of seeing the world that makes us feel cut off from God:

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (I Peter 1:18-21, NLT)

In these verses, we see that humanity has been “ransomed” or bought back from “the empty life [we] inherited from our ancestors.” I like to think of this “empty life” as moving through the world without knowing who we really are. We often believe we are all alone in our suffering and struggles. The good news, as these verses tell us, is that Jesus’ sacrifice absorbed the negative mindset and the thoughts of separation from God.

Jesus took our pain down to the grave, and then he was raised in glory. And when he rose, so did we. Even as the man in the story found release from his captors—both the kidnappers and the bad health habits—so we have freedom in Christ!

No longer must we suffer from an empty life where we feel cut off from God and from each other. Jesus created the connection which revealed God’s heart for all humanity.

Today, as you move through your world, remember that you have been redeemed into new life, and you’ve been brought forth into the glorious assurance of God’s loving acceptance and presence.

May you know the fullness of freedom in being in Christ.

I’m Michelle Fleming, Speaking of Life.

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Speaking Of Life 2021 | Patron Saint of Doubters     

Greg Williams

Have we as Christians made doubt a sin? Have we taken a very natural reflex that God put into us and made it into a transgression? For example, are reflexes like blinking in the sun or sneezing a sin?

There are two pitfalls with doubt. On the one side, you make doubt an unpardonable sin. You make yourself and others believe by force and replace any “glance towards land” with slogans or platitudes: God said it, I believe it, that settles it!

On the other side is to indulge doubt and begin to question everything. We live in an age of dogmatic doubt. No tradition or community or faith system is to be believed. Just watch the movies – almost every religious character (Christian or otherwise) is secretly living a double life. We end up with a kind of burned out cynicism in which no one and no idea is to be trusted.

The big double standard here is that when you doubt everything, you don’t doubt your own doubt. Does that make sense? You don’t doubt your own abilities to question whatever it is you’re attacking. Maybe you have your own agenda? Maybe there are secret fears or desires that fuel you and your doubt is not a pure intellectual quest. Doubt can become a snake that bites its own tail after a while.

Thomas, the patron saint of doubters, became the great proclaimer, and he can be very encouraging to us. All of us might have had a little trouble if Jesus came back from the dead, which no one had ever done, and everybody just said “Hooray!” and believed it without any friction. Thomas proves doubt is not a sin.

Thomas is included in Jesus’ story because he asked questions – like anyone would – when seemingly bizarre things happened. And notice Jesus’ response.

Jesus, who had a pattern of going out of his way for sinners, disabled, and unseen people, makes a special trip to come close enough to the doubter that Thomas can touch the evidence himself. And it changed Thomas’s doubt into belief and worship. Jesus wants to put our doubts to rest.

May Thomas’ faith, and the Lord’s intimate attention turn our doubt into proclaiming “Our Lord and our God.”

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

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Key: 1 Cor 15:19

How To Be Most Miserable

Have you ever felt miserable? How miserable were you? What caused the misery (miserableness)? Think of a time or times. How did you feel? Think of some adjectives to describe your feelings and outlook? Hurt, sad, devastated, sick, groaning, guilty, lonely,etc.

After the jubilation and joy and “high” of Palm Sunday, events late in Holy Week brought about misery; Jesus’ followers felt miserable.

Judas Iscariot made a deal to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Seemed good at the time, but what was end result when Jesus called out Judas as His betrayer and Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss? Guilt, shame, sorrow, some sort of repentance, suicidal death.

Simon Peter professed undying loyalty to Jesus in front of all the disciples at the Last Supper [“I am willing to go both to prison and to death for you”], but Jesus prophesied that Peter would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed. Peter did use his sword to injure one of those who came to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane, but Jesus firmly admonished Peter to put away his sword, and healed the injured man—and Peter fled with all the other disciples. Later that night, around a warming fire maybe within earshot of Jesus, Peter cursed and denied knowing Jesus 3 times—and then the rooster crowed. Peter went out and wept bitterly, soon disappeared from the story, and went back to his fishing business, feeling he was an unforgiveable failure—a miserable man.

Three of the disciples could not stay awake with Jesus while He prayed His final earthly prayer. When the time came to show their loyalty and dedication to Jesus, they turned and ran. How miserable did they feel when they looked back at their actions?

Pontius Pilate had torn emotions. He knew Jesus was innocent, and was warned by his wife to “not have anything to do with that innocent man,” But he followed his political leanings, released the evil criminal Barabbas, and sentenced the innocent man, Jesus, to death. How miserable was that for Pilate?

What about Jesus’ mother, Mary, as she watched her son crumple under the burden of carrying His cross, seeing nails driven into His hands and feet, and displayed on a raised cross for all to see, deride and watch Him slowly die? Did she remember the words of the old prophet Simeon when Jesus was only 8 days old: “A sword shall pierce your own soul.” For mother Mary, the other women and the apostle John watching at the cross, how miserable must they have been?

What about Joseph of Arimethea, a secret follower of Jesus, who took Jesus’ dead body from the cross, hastily wrapped it for burial, and placed it in his own family tomb? All the amazing teachings of Jesus, the miracles, the hope and promise of a new future now dead and gone. Nothing left but a still, cold body in a grave. Despondent and miserable.

What is missing that leads to a person being truly miserable. In a word, we lose hope. And we lose hope, because we give up believing. Believing in what—or in Whom?

S.M. Lockridge famous sermon: “It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Comin.’” Hopelessness replaced by hope. Darkness overcome by Light. Evil conquered by righteousness. Death defeated by Life. Because Jesus is alive! He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

On Sunday morning, the gravestone was rolled away from the tomb by unseen holy power, the door to the grave was open, Jesus walked out and was gone. Angels asked the shocked women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? Jesus in not here, He is risen, just as He said.” His warning and promise to His disciples and all the world was fulfilled by His resurrection from death to new, glorified, eternal life. 

The excited and rejuvenated women eyewitnesses ran to give the good news to the huddled, hiding disciples, and Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves the discarded graveclothes and empty grave.

Jn 20:3-8 “He [John] saw and believed.” Miserableness and despondency displaced by belief and hope. Sometimes slowly and quietly, sometimes quickly and excitedly; maybe all at once, but often it takes time to believe to the depth needed to become “un-miserable.”

What about you? Ever felt miserable—not just due to a cold, an injury or a clash in a relationship? But really despondent, long term, deep and aching due to ongoing pain, debilitating injury, loneliness, betrayal, long-term hurtful, broken relationships. Even death of a loved one.

At funerals, read from 1 Corinthians 15, to share words of reality of pain and loss, but also tells us how to be the “most miserable—and focuses us on the way to see hope in a new light.

1 Cor 15:1-7 “…as of first importance.” Death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Easter

           :12-18 if JC is not resurrected, what is your and my hope? What are we living for? Our “faith” (in whatever else, if not the risen and ruling Jesus) is futile—there is no lasting good. We are still in our sins: no death=no paid penalty. Even the righteous saints are “lost” in death—emptiness, nothingness, no future.

           :19 “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” [KJV]; “we are to be pitied more than all people.” [NIV]   People might “believe in Jesus”—a Jesus they create to fit in their comfortable niche.   But do they bow down to the authority of the God who created all things, sustains all things by His power, and promises an eternal future to all who believe and follow Him? Are we willing to believe in that Jesus, not just for the spiritual comforts of this life, but for the reality of the life to come? How to be most miserable? Don’t believe in Jesus as He tells us and shows us He is, don’t believe in His resurrection (which is the key proof to move us to bow before Him), and don’t believe that your life has purpose beyond the time we spend on this earth in this life. Jesus’ resurrection is our hope—our only hope—that this life is not in vain but has eternal value.

1 Cor 15:20-26 the second Adam, death defeated

           :51-57 at the last trumpet, the dead will rise, changed, glorifed, immortal. God shares with us His victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the core message of Easter: Jesus Christ was killed, lay dead in the grave, and was raised by his heavenly Father to new, eternal life. And Jesus is the first of those to be resurrected, and He freely invites us to come along with Him into this eternity.

How to be most miserable? Don’t believe any of this. Miss or ignore the message of Easter, choose to do the best you can with this life on your own.

How to be un-miserable, joyful and hopeful (even in midst of pain and loss)? Learn the lessons of Easter, believe in God though His Son Jesus, believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and live in the sure hope that God will do the same for you as His beloved child for all eternity.

You and I don’t need to be miserable. Celebrate the Good News of Easter every day.

Benediction: 

To the God who gives all life: physical life and resurrected new life.

Help us to see who You are and how much You desire to share your life with us. Give us the desire to live with You now as our God, our Father, our Friend and our Comforter every day of this life, and to believe that you will raise us to a new and even better eternal life with You. Let us live in the hope and assurance of your Easter promises every day.

To You be all the glory and honor and praise, now and forever! Amen.

Speaking Of Life 2020 | Papa and Paco

Jeff Broadnax

In Ernest Hemingway’s short story, “Capital of the World” we are told of a Father in Spain looking for his son named Paco. Perhaps you’ve heard it!

The son had created a rift between him and his Papa. He chose to leave home to make a name for himself as a matador in Madrid. After some time, the Father goes looking for his estranged son, but he is unable to find him among the crowded streets of Madrid. So, he places an ad in the local newspaper that reads:

“Paco, meet me at the Hotel Montana, Noon Tuesday. All is forgiven. Papa.”

The results were astounding. On Tuesday at noon, eight hundred young men, all named Paco, show up at the hotel longing to be reconciled to their father.

Hemingway may have been an atheist, but his story tugs our hearts toward the Gospel.

Can you identify with one of the Pacos gathered at the hotel? Roaming crowded streets far from home trying to create a name for yourself. It’s a lonely journey down a dead-end road.

But Jesus has met us at the end of that road with a word from his Father. In Jesus’ life, death and most importantly, his resurrection, our Papa makes it crystal clear that all is forgiven. He is calling us home.

In this way our heavenly Father didn’t just put an ad in the paper. He showed up in Jesus. The first disciples struggled to believe that Jesus had risen even though they saw an empty tomb. But after Jesus encountered them personally, their lives were lifted to a whole new level.

This same Jesus is still encountering us today by the Holy Spirit. And his word from the Father hasn’t changed. Putting your trust in Jesus is to be lifted in his relationship with the Father.

THIS is the good news of the Easter story. The Father has removed all that keeps us from knowing and enjoying him. Now we can respond to him with our head held high, knowing our identity as sons and daughters is secured in Jesus, our elder brother.

Listen to how the Apostle Paul reflects on the resurrection and our response in this restored relationship.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4, NIV)

This Easter, may we each hear the voice of our Father, raised in Jesus, calling us home.

I’m Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life

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Speaking Of Life 2019 | Put Down Your Sword

Greg Williams

“And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Matthew 26:51-54 (ESV)

This is a strange aside in the story of Jesus’ arrest. As the gospel writers describe it, there are literally hundreds of soldiers who’ve descended on four guys in a garden in the dark. Then one of them, Peter of course, decides to try to defend himself. What a preposterous picture, a fisherman with a sword against a detachment of professional Roman soldiers.

It’s a painfully vivid picture of our reactionary eye-for-an-eye squabbles as human beings. You have a grudge against me, so I answer in kind; you cut me off, so I tailgate you! On and on we go in the cycle of offense-and-revenge, tit-for-tat. And yet Jesus says, “Stop.” Peter—put down your sword. STOP the cycle, stop the insane merry-go-round.

This small conversation is a microcosm of the big picture. Jesus is in the midst of giving himself, to take the punishment for sin—and all the grudges, squabbles, and eye-for-eye that goes along with it—onto Himself. Total forgiveness to all. We can only imagine.

Have you ever forgiven until it hurts? Our natural reaction when shoved is to shove back. It’s deeply ingrained in our psyche, even in our physical reflexes. It can be uncomfortable, even painful to stop ourselves from retaliating. We have to give up our “rights” in that moment, the revenge we “deserve” in our own minds. We have to put down the sword.

By every right, God could have wiped humanity out and started over. We chose sin and polluted his perfect world. But God’s plan was never to take his revenge on us. He took that hurt into himself in Jesus. Instead of cutting off an ear, he let himself be cut and beaten and finally killed. He forgave us until it hurt him. He took the pain and violence of that sin into himself in Christ, so much so that it killed him.

As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” May we join Jesus in stopping the cycle of revenge by putting down our swords; choosing to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

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