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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Parade for Peace January 22, 2010 |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, January 22, 2010 by Mike
Martine
Reprinted from July 28, 2009
Ephesians 4:1-7 (The text appears in the devotion.)
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a fan of Monty Python, and recently, when the musical “Spamalot” took a number of “Tony” awards, I was tickled—though a little concerned with where theater in America might be headed...
One of my favorite Monty Python lines from the old show television show was, “I’m starting a war for peace.”
A ridiculous line, but one that makes you think. In fact, it got me thinking the other day and I thought to myself—maybe not a war for peace, but how about a parade? After all, we have parades that celebrate military service and accomplishment, and I like those. (Make no mistake, I’m proud of the Americans we honor at these parades—both those who have served and those still serving.) So why not a parade for peace?
I’d call it the, “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?” parade. First there would be bands—but instead of swords, mascots marching in front of the bands would carry plowshares. And those folks that twirl rifles? They could still do that, but the rifles would need to be affixed with bayonets bent into pruning hooks. The bands would also play from a selection that would include the following songs: What the World Needs Now (Is Love), Everything Is Beautiful, and Abraham, Martin, and John.
And how about some floats and cars? They could carry folks who volunteered for the Peace Corps in the 60’s and 70’s. Or folks that have taken their vacation to do mission trips, helping people in South America or Appalachia.
How about a float with teachers and youth workers? Or social workers? Or anyone who works to help people with their problems get a better life? And how about a car for the kid who keeps other kids from fighting at school? Maybe he should be the “Grand Marshall” or the “Chief Peacemaker.”
And last—but certainly not least—clowns. Not clowns that squirt you with water, hit you with pies, and blow horns in your ears. Hugging clowns. Running up and down the street hugging everyone in sight.
All right, now I’m getting silly.
But I wonder…if you had a parade for peace, would anyone come?
And I wonder, do you think the idea of celebrating peace is silly?
Look at what Paul has to say today:
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Maybe you don’t want to be on the committee to plan my parade, and that’s OK. (You can still volunteer to be a clown.) But make no mistake; Jesus was about peace, that’s why he’s called the prince of it.
So next time you’re feeling angry at someone, remember, we’re called to something higher. We’re called to be peacemakers—and they shall be called “children of God.”
And if anyone will ever get a parade in the life to come—I’d say it’s God’s kids.
Peace.