Peace - Pastor's Pen for 18th October 2026
Our coastline is dotted with reminders of a time when certain world leaders chose violence over negotiation, invasion over conversation. These 'pillbox' gun emplacements were installed from Devonport to Long Bay, from 1942, when it was thought the Axis forces, namely the Japanese, might have an interest in invading Aotearoa.
This one is decorated with a depiction of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s headdress, or nemes. The striped headcloth frames a stylised face, with the uraeus at the top — the sacred cobra worn on the forehead of Egyptian kings.
In the book of Exodus, we know that Pharaoh chose violence against the Hebrews led by their chief negotiator Moses, who were simply done with being enslaved. That episode didn't end well for Pharaoh's army.
Of course a case can be made for a 'just war.' But so many world leaders in recent years have chosen violence, driven by the heady combination of bloated ego, bad advice and overwhelming firepower - even with the ample lessons of history.
A holy war is possibly the worst kind of war, but what did Jesus say to Peter? ‘Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?’
We are to be a people of peace who choose God's shalom as our first option. We should be skeptical of politicians who choose to demonise and divide, instead of seeking dialogue, understanding and the flourishing of all communities.
The way of peace is far less cinematic that just blowing stuff up, but it is God's way. Hear the words of Jesus; ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.' (Luke 6: 27-28 NRSV)
We are the bringers of God's shalom to our neighbourhoods. We can be salt and light. We need God's Holy Spirit to help us.
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