Blessed are the Peacemakers 

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lessed are the Peacemakers

We were once on the wrong side of history. Born in sin and citizens of a world at war with God. By nature and by nurture narcissists, nihilists, or Neanderthals. God sent his Son to “sue for peace,” and give his life a ransom for many. His sacrifice and our surrender, has brought an end to fighting the will of Heaven. By faith we have become children of God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Mt.5:9). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Roman Christians described the Spirit that now resides in heart of a follower of Jesus Christ. “If possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” There is hope for “all men,” and we are the evidence of that. We still live, however, in an evil world and faith must navigate through enemy territory filled with narcissists, nihilists, and Neanderthals (sinners). God has ordained government to mitigate and manage this mess and what would otherwise be pure misery. The Ten Commandments has painted white lines on the turnpike and placed stop signs at the intersections of civilizations. The Authorities help keep and enforce the peace (without which we would all kill each other).  Faith goes beyond drawing boundaries with something far better. One single law is given to replace a library of law books, and that law was given by Christ. Love. Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t have to like your neighbor, but you are asked to love him because God loved you. And when wronged, do not attempt to use evil means or vengeance to bring about good. Instead, let him who has departed from evil, do good, pursuing peace (Ps.34:14). On July 14, 1789, the madness of the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille. These tactics never end well. America attacked herself this week and stormed her Capital. She may never fully recover, but the Kingdom of God is unshaken and over her reigns Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, for from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Ps. 75:6-7)  -id