Jesus is Our Example for Peace

This morning we drove north from Bethlehem to Jaffa and visited the old city along the Mediterranean.  This city was quaint with impressive stone construction.  We visited the House of Simon, the tanner, where he received his vision in which he was commanded to eat animals regarded as unclean in Jewish tradition.  Peter heard God's voice to preach Christianity to Jews and pagans alike. 

We then met with Pastor David Lazrus in Jaffa of Beit Immanuel that is a congregation of Messianic Jews that believe in Jesus (Yeshua) that practices their Jewish faith.  Pastor Lazrus was a student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary over 30 years ago.  There are currently 150 Hebrew speaking congregations over Israel. 

After our lunch in the courtyard, we then continued to Jerusalem to Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center where I fell in love with their work!  We met the Director and Reverend Naim Ateek regarding Palestinian Theology.  Naim Ateek is also an author and his most recent book is "A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation" which I got him to sign for me.  I was so inspired and invigorated by their work and programs because it is an ecumenical center started by Palestinians that reflect on what God tells them of how to live under occupation of Israel, considering how to respond, and how to react in a peaceful and nonviolent way.  Naim said that we have an example to follow because Jesus also lived under the occupation every day.  He suggested that conflict arises from different interpretations of the Bible and the solution to conflict is done by grace by humans and the influence of international law.  With God at the center with an inclusive nature of our faith and respect for others, we can achieve peace and justice.

Naim expressed his disappointment in the United States, it's political leaders and church leaders.  He is disappointed that they will not take a stand and speak out.  He said they offer their sympathies, but will not speak up.  He stated that the only hope is God and he is beginning to sense a movement that is not from the church but from God.

Their programs include working with women of all faiths, young adults, clergy of all churches, interfaith with Muslim community to create a greater understanding of respecting religions and accepting each other, and Partners with Jewish Voices for Peace.

I left there so inspired and invigorated by the work at Sabeel with Naim Ateek's leadership.  It is this type of center that builds relationships that creates trust and where positive dialogues can take place to create peace, justice, reconciliation and unity.  This is the example and pathway that Jesus Christ walked and lived by for us to follow.  It begins with one person with an open heart and mind allowing God to lead the process then putting our faith into action by speaking up and supporting programs for peace and nonviolence.  We need to focus on loving our neighbors, creating unity and ending injustices.  God says in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  May God bless all the beautiful work and programs that I am witnessing too!