Shalom and the #MPRRaccoon

What you've all been waiting for… #MissionImpossible #MPRraccoon

Thankfully, #MPRRaccoon successfully scaled the building. It lived, surviving tall odds and dangerous moments. His saga has left the city and all his social media fans feeling relieved, celebratory, joyous. Silly as it may sound, the little bandit gave us a glimpse of shalom. But in the larger social and political world, we await true peace. Jesus followers know that only He, the Prince of Peace, can bring true shalom to our world.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

If we are looking for it, we see glimpses of shalom. If we rely on Jesus and his Spirit, we can push against the evil, the pain, the hardships of our world—the result of Genesis 3—to become instruments of shalom in others’ lives. As ambassadors of Christ, this is our calling. Cheer on the stranded critter, love the depressed, hurting friend, fight injustice in your church or community, seek peace in this world as you wait for the next.