Blessed Are The Peacemakers

I just received a phone call from my ninety-seven year old father who experienced a stroke a couple of days ago.  Thinking of everyone else as is typical for him, he asked that I contact my brothers and let them know that although he could not walk yesterday, today he can.  Also, he continued, please tell everyone that I love them.

I recently finished the book, Climbing With Jesus, by Stephan Grunlan--a fresh look at the Sermon on The Mount.  Today, when reviewing the book, I could not help but think of Dad in that he has been "climbing with Jesus" his entire life.  He fought in WW II coming back to America with the Silver Star and Purple Heart.  He and my mother farmed the land; raised cattle, hogs, and chickens--along with six children. He was an elder in the church, chairman of the school board, and he took his responsibilities seriously and humbly.  Although a veteran, he was a revolutionary of love and peace and sought opportunities to help the poor and needy in his own community and world-wide when he took a trip to Poland during their extended drought period when many were starving.

Jesus' message was based on relationships--a relationship with God and then relationships with our fellow man.  I encourage you to read The Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 1- 19.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . Blessed are the merciful. . .  blessed are the pure in heart. . .  blessed are the peacemakers. . .  blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How does Jesus expect his followers to live in our world?  Read The Beatitudes, and you will know.  Understand the life of Jesus, and you will know.  Worship God, ask for guidance, and you will know.  God assures us that ". . . we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility.  Let us be meek, hungry, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers.  Let us give evidence--by the way we live--to others that we are Christians.

My dad has done this.  Although he would humbly deny it and say he has not done enough.  My prayer for him is that he be comforted, that he have less pain, that he has a quality of life until the Lord calls him home.

Please send up a prayer for my Dad.