Did you ever notice how a Saturday Morning arrives? It comes in nice and quiet, with a slower pace, but soon it accelerates into chores, shopping and cooking. I really enjoy the first couple hours of a Saturday. Although, mine always starts with an English Springer Spaniel named Gibbs pouncing on the bed, reminding me that it is 5 AM and his breakfast is due. He only knows one speed and that is ballistic. My coffee this morning is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. By the way, Gibbs is full of food and now went back to sleep under my desk. There is no justice this morning!
Matthew 5:9New King James Version (NKJV)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
For they shall be called sons of God.
Our passage today is taken from the book of Matthew. Jesus is speaking and this passage is contained in a section most often called the Beatitudes. Many years ago our Pastor once told us that he likes to call the Beatitudes "Attitudes that ought to be."
The Beatitudes describe eight blessings in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative, "cryptic, precise, and full of meaning. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical theme".] Four of such "blessings" also appear in the Sermon on the Plain in Luke, and are followed by four woes that mirror the blessings.
Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. In almost every case the condition is from familiar Old Testament context, but Jesus teaches a new interpretation.
Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of Christian ideals that focus on a spirit of love and humility different in orientation than the usual force and exaction taken. They echo the highest ideals of the teachings of Jesus on mercy, spirituality, and compassion
Definition From Wikipedia
Today we will consider the Peacemakers. Notice the term "Maker". It is not one who just hopes for peace, it is one who takes an action to cause peace. For instance, just in general take automobile traffic in the United States. Most people only use the horn on the car to let others know that they are not moving fast enough away from an intersection. This can be taken as a nice reminder or it can be an irritation, especially when your car has stalled. The irritation is often responded to with a hand gesture and "the look exchange". Which translated is this. "If looks could kill you would be dead."
I witnessed this not long ago between two people. The fellow a few cars back was just laying on his horn and then pulled out to drive next to the stalled car. He gave the lady within the car a piece of his mind for the inconvenience he perceived that she caused with her broken vehicle. She responded by smiling! Within seconds a couple of young men left their cars and helped push the lady's car out of the way, opened the hood and tried to get her car going again. She my friends was blessed. She responded to the verbal barrage with kindness. She did not lower herself to the level of rudeness that was thrown at her.
Most of us will never be invited to be the peace negotiators on a world level to solve a conflict between nations. But each day we are called to respond and make choices for peace. Attack others for whatever reason, or ignore the attacks of others and respond with kindness. Sometimes our response will only fuel another attack so the choice can be to be silent, absorb the attack and pray for the other party. But those who pursue peace and act in a way that brings peace are the ones who are blessed. My thought is that most people who always have to share their mind and give pieces away soon run out of mind to share.
I believe the verse above really applies more to individuals who are in a dispute than to those negotiating peace between others. The Blessed Peacemaker is really the one who decides that their own personal agenda is not worth the strife and concedes without a battle. They are putting the other person first and desire to not pursue further battles. This path is very hard for those who like to have the last word all the time. That last word is not very often the last word.
Well that was the last word in this devotional for today! Be at peace.
God bless,
Marty
No comments:
Post a Comment