Written by Ryan Campese
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
While watching The Jungle Book recently, I was reminded of the peace and love God offers us.
The jungle has a place called Peace Rock which you can see when the rain stops, the sun beats down, and the water recedes. Then, this beautiful rock is surrounded by a pool of water—the only water around for miles. It is called Peace Rock because the animals can come from all over to drink during the time of drought.
The law of the jungle is that lack of water creates a unity between all the animals. There is no evil, only love and peace, as they share God’s gift of water so they can all survive. Our faith journey with Christ is like Peace Rock. When people from all walks of life come together, the only thing holding us together is the love of God. It is like we are all drinking from the Water of Life.
The more we love God and learn from His word, the more the drowning waters of evil and darkness in our lives will recede. As that happens, our Peace Rock is revealed and the treasure of the Holy Spirit shines through so that those who don’t know Christ will be drawn from all over to see our Peace Rock. Then they too can drink the Water of Life, which represents the blood of Christ.
When we make peace and unity under the Law of Christ, we will all drink the Water of Life. We become humble and true disciples of Christ—full of love, joy, and all the rest of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). Our Father, the one who created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, wants us to unite together because of our love for Him. The day that Jesus returns, we won’t be separated from the Peace Rock ever again.
1. Who are the people you consider your enemies? Are they people you are scared to drink beside? Consider how you can grow a deeper trust in the unity of Christ’s law.
2. What do you imagine a place with no evil would be like—no violence, racism, or mental illness? Do you believe it will one day be a reality? How does that change the way you live?
3. When life isn’t going the way you want, where do you go with your thirst? Do you buy a new outfit or sports car, or chase dreams to quench your thirst? Or will you go drink from the watering hole at Peace Rock?
4. The Peace Rock is a sustaining life source. Have you told others about this life source? Is there anything stopping you?
If you need a reminder of the hope and encouragement we have in Christ, read 1 Peter 1:1-12.
Father, I pray that you will empower everyone who is firm on your word, giving them everything they need to bring as many people to you. I pray for the men and women, boys and girls, who don’t yet know you, that people of your choosing would plant seeds in their hearts. Father, it would be nice to be at Peace Rock with all of your lovely children when Christ returns again. I pray this in your name.
Amen.
