Kenneth Samuel: Like a Breath of Fresh Air
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133 (NIV)
The realm of God is often depicted as a lion and a lamb lying down together.
In the dog eat dog world we live in, this image is so refreshingly different from what we're accustomed to that it startles our imagination and beckons the hope that lies still within us.
Unity in the midst of wide-spread diversity is the greatest challenge we face in our communities, in our nation and in our world today.
The magnitude of religious controversies, culture wars, partisan rivalries and racial conflicts make it appear that this vision of God's realm is nothing more than a pipe dream.
But then God gives us a glimpse of what it could be like, and what it must be like, if our communities are to survive.
Haaz Sleiman, a Lebanese Muslim, plays the role of Jesus in the movie, "Killing Jesus" - adapted from the NY Times best selling book co-authored by Fox News host, Bill O'Reilly.
A glimpse of God's realm.
James Clyburn, a straight, black politician from the conservative South speaks out strongly in support of Marriage Equality as a Civil Rights issue.
A glimpse of God's realm.
One dark rainy night, a white man on patrol (who could be a George Zimmerman) spots a black man in a hoodie (who could be a Trayvon Martin). The white patrolman offers the black man a ride home in the rain, without fear; and the black man accepts the ride, without fear.
A glimpse of God's realm.
How good and pleasant it is!
Prayer
Enable us O God, to make the vision of your realm plain for all to see. Amen.