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Living Stones: Lead, Care and Serve Like JesusSample

Living Stones:  Lead, Care and Serve Like Jesus

DAY 11 OF 12

Living Stone of PEACE

by Norris Lineweaver, Board Secretary with Friends of the Jerusalem International YMCA

Forgiveness is the work of returning dignity to those from which it was taken. 

Jesus, for example, did not encourage his disciples to seek revenge against local authorities for the atrocities committed toward him.

Instead, upon his being raised from the dead, the first words of Jesus were a blessing of shalom; then he declared a mission of forgiveness for his followers.

Located just outside the old city walls of Jerusalem, The Garden Tomb is considered by many to be a possible location for the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Whenever I visit the beautiful Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, it's like entering a sacred space for peaceful prayer and meditation – not only for me but also for Christians from around the world.

One of the most important reminders for me from reflecting at the Garden Tomb on the Easter story is the power of forgiveness and reconciliation for peace in the example demonstrated by the resurrected Christ Jesus our Lord.

Near the Damascus Gate and standing in the shadow of Skull Hill, this beautiful garden is a powerful symbol of Christ's peace in the face of adversity, violence, and death.

Current examples are demonstrating everyday work of Christian peace near The Garden Tomb. 

As CEO of the East Jerusalem YMCA, my dear friend Peter Nasir is the third generation of his Christian family to lead peace initiatives of the Y in occupied Palestine.

Peter's grandfather Labib and his father Kamil demonstrated through leadership succession a consistent language of reconciliation for peace and forgiveness while holding authorities rightfully accountable for civil injustice and violence.

From their very beginning, YMCA operations in Palestine have focused on everyday works of peace through vocational training for young people. Skilled hands build sustainable economies as a foundation for both progress and peace.

Engaging both Christian and Muslim leaders and youth working together reduces internal conflict and prejudices. 

Resilient leaders find renewed strength from encouraging forgiveness in the face of adversity to resurrect peace.

What do these examples of peace mean for you in your everyday life?

If the living stones of The Garden Tomb could speak they might ask where in your life is a sacred space for contemplation to encourage everyday acts of peace and forgiveness?

May you respond to Christ's call to build up everyday works of peace and forgiveness where you are sent to play, work and live.

Scripture

Day 10Day 12

About this Plan

Living Stones:  Lead, Care and Serve Like Jesus

How can we be 'like living stones' used by God to build up the presence of Christ where we lead? We are going to take you to 12 places in the Holy Land where Jesus ministered and YMCA leaders recently experienced. From this, we take spiritual leadership principles – or living stones - that Christ-followers can embody everywhere as we are built up to lead, care and serve like Jesus.

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We would like to thank YMCA for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://timhallman.org