Blessed Are the Peacemakers
In the Talmud, there is a story about a rabbi who met the prophet Elijah in a crowded market. The rabbi seized the opportunity to ask Elijah a question, “Who here among all who are present is most likely to experience eternal life?” Elijah pointed toward two humble unpretentious-looking men. The rabbi then confronted the two men and asked, “What makes you worthy of special merit?” They answered, “We are not. Unless you want to take into consideration that whenever people are having trouble we try to comfort them, and when people quarrel we try to make them friends again.”
This story reminds me that Jesus, in his sermon on the mount taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
In his book the Word, Noah ben Shea quotes Joel ben Abraham Shemaria who really brings this home for me. Shemaria wrote:
“Your primary purpose in life on the planet earth is to be a peace with all people, Jew and Gentile. Do not be contentious with anyone. Make your home a place of quiet and happiness, absent of hard language, and filled with love, friendship, modesty, and a continual air of the gentle and reverent.
He then adds, “This attitude should not be limited to the home…”
Let us pray: Gracious God, when we look at the division, the violence, and the heartache of the world around us, we long for your peace. Grant us open hearts that we would be filled with your mercy and grace. And then, O God, use us as instruments of that peace for which we long. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
