Apostle Paul was concerned that disorderly and unregulated congressional meetings at Corinth would discredit the name of the God who had called those in Christ to peace and unity (33; 10:11-13). He gave them orderly instructions for speaking in tongues, and that only if there is an interpreter (26-28). He gave them orderly instructions for prophets, and that their every word should be weighed carefully (29-32).
God is a God of order and peace. Order exists in DNA and the cell though they are complex. Order exists in the atom and the solar system though they are complex. Order exists in geology and nature though they are complex. Edward Lorenz discovered that order exists within chaos theory. In 1961, while simplifying weather prediction models, he developed a set of three nonlinear differential equations—now known as the Lorenz system—which demonstrated that chaotic, unpredictable systems follow a “strange attractor” that forms a distinct pattern resembling a butterfly.
When a congregation comes together, the proceedings should have order and peace, even though they are complex. Family life is complex, but that doesn’t mean that it should be void of at least some order and peace. How? Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Yesterday’s blue morning, followed by today’s gray. Tomorrow we pray, the Son to split open the sky.
