Today we read from 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 in the One Year Bible. We read about Abner, who was apparently a fierce warrior. But after showing his fighting prowess, he also showed some philosophical wisdom which saved his people. He was being chased by some of David's troops, and they were intent on killing them. But Abner asks, "Do we have to always be killing each other? Don't you realize this just leads to bitterness?"
And Joab, who is in charge of David's warriors, seems to come to his senses. He says, "Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't said that." But then they all agree to stop killing each other and go home.
It brings to mind the story of the great Christmas ceasefire of WWI. Pope Benedict XV suggested a truce on Christmas of 1914, and even though there was no formal declaration, the troops all decided to make it happen anyway, and even celebrated Christmas together.
We all know how easy it is for fights and disagreements to turn into blood battles and even into all out war. But we don't often realize how easy it can be to go the other direction.
Pray for peace.
God, thanks for showing us how easy it can be to go from war to peace.
1 comment:
Amen
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