Walls – Flimsy or Solid

Flimsy Walls: The prophet Ezekiel was challenged by religious and political leaders who deceived the people, saying, ‘‘Peace’, when there is no peace’. (13:10)

Ezekiel tells the story of men who build a flimsy, rickety wall. To cover its fragility, they cover it in whitewash. It looks good, but isn’t fit for purpose. Then the storms come. The whitewash dissolves and disappears; the rain undermines its insufficient foundations; the wind tests its poor construction. The wall is flattened.

Solid Love-Wall: I’m reading ‘Transgender. Christian. Human.’ the story of Alex Clare-Young’s life as a transgender child, adult and minister… It would stir up opinions and emotions in both my Christian and non-Christian friends.

He quotes Thomas Merton: ‘Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbours worthy.’

Solid Joy-Wall: Yesterday in church Pastor-Lou was talking about Jesus’ story: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.’

Lou said: ‘The Kingdom of God is an everlasting source of joy’… which she illustrated quoting C.S. Lewis: ‘Joy is the serious business of heaven.’

Solid Peace-Wall: Ezekiel confronted flimsy walls… ‘‘Peace’ when there was no peace’. A number of friends currently facing huge family challenges… physical and mental health, unsteady relationships, life and death… need solid walls.

St Paul said: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

…Musing on the solid walls of love, joy and peace… secure, fit for purpose… lasting through the tests of storms and winds.