Rumors of War

 Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. (Mark 13:5-10)

In my sermon for the Fourth
Sunday in Lent I asked the question, "Will we choose Barabbas and chaos, or Jesus and peace?" It really is an important question. Jesus in the Gospel of Mark reminds us of our folly. That we just seem to always get ourselves in trouble by following the wrong leader, choosing war and violence to solve our problems (Will Smith slapping Christ Rock, anyone?), thinking that the world is getting worse. The sad state of affairs is that we humans have always lived in a time of chaos. We just seem to want to remain in a state of suffering.

But, then comes resurrection. The nation of war and violence solves its problem by nailing to the cross the Prince of Peace. And in their mind they are done with that challenge to their power and authority. Little did they know that God was up to something new. God has different plans for solving the problem of our waring ways. What if death no longer rules our lives? What if violence is not that last word? What if God's word of love is poured out with no need for achievement?

This Easter we need this Word spoken aloud to us. We need to know that this indeed is true. That Jesus and resurrection is the last word. And that word is PEACE.