Blessed are the peacemakers

 

This past Family Day weekend the Manuels enjoyed some peace by travelling into the woods with friends. It was a much needed break from the seemingly endless unrest in the world today. I lingered behind at times and took pictures of God’s amazing creation while pondering the flawless character of the Creator to whom I have given control of my life. He is worthy of my worship and praise and will receive it until my last breath on this earth, and after that, into eternity when I am with Him!

Followers of Christ, the people currently occupying the earth need us to lead them to Jesus. This world is lost. I know this because I too was once lost and am now found. Is this your story? It’s humbling to acknowledge that, isn’t it? I didn’t have it all together, in fact it was all coming apart, 

but

then 

Jesus…

I’ve been bombarded with this passage in my thoughts over the past week or so:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:3-12

The Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, MEI’s guiding document, states the following:

We seek to be agents of reconciliation in all relationships, to practice love of enemies as taught by Christ, to be peacemakers in all situations.

Friends, this is our moment to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12).

Let us bring peace to our world today.