THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 15:1-17:27
“Ishmael… will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12)
Jews trace their origins back to Isaac, son of Abram.
Muslims trace their origins back to Ishmael, son of Abram.
I can’t help think how significant these words about Ishmael are still today.
The majority of Muslims declare themselves to be a people of peace.
But enough Muslims today choose to “live in hostility” with the world.
This is not a Muslim problem; consider the hostility between Jews and Palestinians.
And Christians through history have brought unspeakable “hostility” against many people.
In fact, I see this as a human nature problem, common to Jews, Christians, Muslims, Atheists, etc.
Our natural origins go back to Adam and Eve, who brought the curse of sin and death into the world.
We are all like “wild donkeys”, against everyone and everyone against us.
By faith I choose my origins back to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
As long as we cling to human nature, and follow its lead, our world will remain hostile.
But if by faith we cling to Jesus, and follow His lead, our world can become a place of peace.
I choose not to be Muslim, Jewish or Christian, or any other man-made religion.
Our “wild donkey” nature continues to twist and distort religion for our selfish, sinful gain.
I choose to identify with Jesus, and long to be like Him, “a lamb of a man”.
May we stop fighting over religion… or using religion to fight against each other.
May we become fanatics of Jesus and His grace, mercy, peace and love.
Not wild donkeys, but gentle lambs, like our namesake!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I do sense the hostility that lies in my nature, when I think about religious violence and terrorism. Help me to crucify this nature, and allow Your nature to make me a lamb like You!