the violence of peace

By design, there was only one way to enter the tabernacle. A cloth "wall" enclosed the space and on one end there was a door way through which to enter.

And the first you saw after entering was not a pretty water fountain or crystal chandelier or even a welcome desk. No, it was an altar. Covered in blood. Embers from a recent fire glowing. The air smells like smoke. And chances are, at the moment you walked in, there was a goat or a cow being led up to this altar, bleating or bellowing their opposition to this unpleasant turn of events. A priest would come over and neatly cut the throat of this animal, collect the blood and proceed to fling it against the altar. Then the animals gets cut into organized little pieces and burnt on the altar.

How's that for "hello, we're glad you've chosen to worship with us this morning"?

Even in a culture that didn't get their meat nicely portioned and wrapped in styrofoam and cellophane, this had to be a sobering image. All the blood and death and guts and smoke and knives, the pain, the taking of life, the wincing as the animals neck was slit...

...this is what peace is.

Peace is violent. At least, peace as it refers to our reconciliation with God. In the tabernacle, an animal was brought to the altar to stand in place of the one offering it. That person would lay their hand on the animal as it would be killed, a representation that the punishment and guilt had been transferred to the animal. And in this way, sins were forgiven.

The way Jesus brought us peace was no less violent. Sure the baby in the manger one silent night in Bethlehem might have had its sweet, peaceful moments...but the real work of Jesus on the cross was quite the opposite in sentiment. It was ugly, gruesome, bloody, the pain, the taking of life, the wincing as the whip was laid into his flesh or as the hammer thudded against the nail being driven into his hands...

...this is what peace is.

And Jesus could've and would've risen back to do it over and over and over for each and every one of us, for each and every offense...but the 'could've' and 'would've' was enough. Hebrews 10.14 says, "For by a single offering, he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." That single sacrifice was enough for all, for everything, and we now stand before God perfected for all time.

Peace on earth, accomplished by an outpouring of love and sacrifice. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9.15