Is manhood the power to terrify and defeat enemies, or the power to act rationally regardless of passions? Is it dangerous violence or dignified silence?
Yes, men are leaders. You get to be Dad, Boss, and Hero. The Bible says “the Lord is a Warrior. Warrior is His Name,” Exodus 15:3.
But Jesus modeled something more challenging—a strong leader who is a man of PEACE.
Some of the time a man is a warrior; all the time he is a MAN OF PEACE.
“I will put My Spirit on Him, and … He will not argue or shout… He will not break a bruised reed. He will not put out a smoldering wick” Matthew 12:18-20. What GENTLE MANHOOD.
Jesus would not crush a blade of grass or snuff the smoking wick of a candle. He TREADS LIGHTLY, moves carefully, a man of peace, not a bull in a China shop. Things do not break when He is around.
When you think of Him, you think CALM. (Yes, this contrasts with the day He flipped tables, cracked the whip to stampede livestock, and threw everyone out of the temple. He was a man of PEACE who knew how to be a warrior when necessary.)
Jesus preached “Blessed are the peacemakers. For they shall be called the sons of God” Matthew 5:9.
Do you want to be called a son of God? BE A PEACEMAKER.
In the same sermon, He spoke of lawsuits: “Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re still on the way to the courthouse,” Matthew 5:25.
Jesus knew a good settlement was better than a risky trial. BE A PEACEMAKER.
“Love your enemies and pray for them, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:44-45.
Love and pray for your enemies. BE A PEACEMAKER.
He goes on to say pray in private, fast in private—and wash your hair and face. This is not big, brash, biker-gang manhood. It is not “toxic.”
Jesus counsels gentle peace. BE A PEACEMAKER.
“Thou wilt keep him in PERFECT PEACE whose mind is stayed on Thee” Isaiah 26:3.
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