Quick to Pull the Trigger

November 10

(Psalm 120:5-7 NIV) “Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! {6} Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. {7} I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”

(Galatians 5:22-26 NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. {24} Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. {25} Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. {26} Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

We live in a world that is quick to pull the trigger. Violence is rampant, making it difficult for a man of peace. The Psalm writer understands. Kedar and Meshech were nation-tribes bordering O.T. Israel on the north and south. They were known for being warlike and “quick to pull the trigger”. The writer laments being surrounded by violent men as he ascends to the altar of the Lord. He wants to live at peace, but war is the preferred option of those around him. For those of us who follow Jesus, this lament makes sense. Christ was never “quick to pull the trigger”, and when His Spirit lives in us, it brings love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. As His disciples, we live in a world that “shoots first” -- a world that seems to hate peace. It is difficult, but we are called to live by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Our power comes through the cross, not through fists, or the barrel of a gun. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day