The Hidden Hand of Conflict (06/08/'24) -Message

The Hidden Hand of Conflict Dear friends, In reflecting on the stories of ancient lands, we uncover a tale where shadows blend and lives are bent by fear and power. Pontius Pilate, with his iron hand, trembled at the tumult of his land. The Jewish forces, fierce and relentless, resisted Rome's oppressive sway. Among them walked a man divine, Jesus of Nazareth, whose path would soon cross a fateful line. Jesus, serene and pure, spoke words of love that threatened the might of Rome. Herod and Pilate, in silent dread, feared a rebellion sparked by the union of Jesus' followers and those of John the Baptist. To them, he was a spark that could kindle endless night, a threat that needed quelling. In shadowed halls, they devised a plan to silence this voice of peace and love. They penned his end, hoping to avert a greater clash. But as they shook the jar of fate, they unleashed chaos and brewed hate. Within the jar, the ants began to fight, each side blind to the true enemy. Blacks against reds, they clashed and bled, innocent lives torn and shed. Yet none could see the hand that jarred, the force that led their hearts to harden. In battles of land and mind, the truth often hides. Men against women, young against old, faith against science—conflict severs bonds and turns hearts cold. Before the clash, before the fire's spark, let us pause and ask, "Who shook the jar?" In this world of endless strife, where conflict cuts like a sharpened knife, the true enemy, unseen and sly, is often the hand that shakes the sky. Seek wisdom, hold the truth dear, and break the snare that binds us. Unity can lead us to a world more fair, where we see the real enemy and embrace a brighter, more harmonious future. Blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 8, 2024)