Everyday Stars: Peacekeepers
He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
Matthew 27:14 (NKJV)
They held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, 'Do not answer him.'
Isaiah 36:21 (NKJV)
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Proverbs 19:11 (NKJV)
If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 10:13 (NKJV)
Everyday stars are a peacekeeping force. A peacekeeper is 'one that preserves or promotes peace' (American Heritage Dictionary).
Where? In hostile or heated situations, when you’re in the midst of steam and trouble.
Such as?
Jesus in the midst of self-righteous men, preparing to stone an adulteress. (John 8:1-12).
Jesus surrounded by a hometown mob, seeking to kill Him, their own Good Neighbor! (Luke 4:16-32).
James and John eager to raze a village, refusing to welcome Jesus (and them). (Luke 9:51-56).
Jesus, a Captive in front of Pilate, deciding whether He would live or die. (Matthew 27).
Jesus demonstrated four peacekeeping techniques:
Pause, pray and redirect the attention of a mob by shaming them with the truth.
Walk directly through the darkest valley without fear, because God WILL be with you.
Don’t get fired up by personal insults. Move on and let God avenge wrongdoing.
If you, God’s stars, face imminent danger, you will receive supernatural peace.
Consider John 14:27: 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'
The Lord’s peace is a gift from Him to you.
He won’t allow the world to take your peace.
But you CAN choose to share it with others... or not, depending on what’s most helpful.
Just as Jesus paused, possibly to pray, when He 'Stooped down and wrote on the ground with His Finger' (John 8:6)...
Let’s pause to pray when trouble comes our way. Let’s seek God and know His promise of peace; Unfailingly, every time, He’ll provide… the right response in the midst of mayhem.
Therefore, PEACEKEEPING… is an attribute of everyday stars.
Everyday Stars: Peacekeepers (Part 8)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.