I am often enthralled with the minute details that formulate the entire picture or system by which we SHOULD observe and follow. Rarely do I think that we see the trees through the forest and I can understand why.
However, on Shabbat, it’s time to dig deep, and as a random thought crosses my mind, I take the time to meditate on it for a few minutes. Let’s talk about one of many that happened to me today.
In Matthew chapter 5, we have a speech known best in Christendom as “The Beatitudes”. In verse 9 we have the beatitude which states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God”.
Why did this stick out to me, you might ask. Well, he didn’t say “Peacekeepers”, he said “Peacemakers”. I often remember pastors telling us that we should be peaceful then somehow applied this to turning the other cheek. But that’s not what it says. Peacekeepers maintain existing peace, and that’s not what he is talking about…not even a little bit.
Imagine with me, if you will, unrelenting chaos. Are those who run away the ones he calls Sons? Seems unlikely. In a masculine patriarchal faith where we have a Father who is in heaven, not a heavenly mother, I cannot imagine the picture of peacemaking one which causes cowardice.
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