Blessed are the peacemakers…

And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.” And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. (1 Samuel 19:1–7)

These few verses are lessons for life. Jonathan saw unjust treatment and went to bat for his friend — against his father. Justice is no respecter of persons. If someone, anyone, is mistreating someone else, those who recognize this as sin need to say so, no matter who that person is. This time, it is a son speaking to his father who is also the king, ruling even over this son.

He also kept the mistreated person informed and did it in such a way that it did not produce or increase a negative response. Knowing how the threats of another person could produce anger and resentment as well as fear, being a peacemaker is no easy task. In our world, we even have rewards for it such as the noted Nobel Peace prize, first given in 1901.

I don’t know the criteria for determining who gets that prize, however Jonathan knew confession of sin was a major part of it for Saul. The King’s lack of obedience, the weight of his guilt, fear, and his jealousy of David was destroying his sense of fairness, even of right and wrong.

In many conflicts, both sides have sinful attitudes and actions that need confession. If we are honest with God, ourselves, and each other, there would be far more singing and dancing than guns, knives, and fist fights.

Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and know that peace begins began when You became part of my life and filled me with Your peace. I need that filling every moment, every day so that I can bring Your peace to my small corner of the world.

No Special Treatment

 

For the past week, I’ve suffered what seems to be a Job-like experience. If things go awry, the Lord normally reveals to me why or what He wants to teach me. This time, no clue. A pinched nerve in my neck giving me stabbing headaches, and a rash that seems without cause or even identity. I did find out they were not related to each other, and the pinched nerve seems to becoming ‘unpinched’ if that is a word. But the rash has not responded to four expensive creams or any home remedies, nor does there seem to be a reason for it.

The Bible tells me that God rules all things and is no respecter of persons, meaning He does not play favorites. He does have reasons, but as with Job, He is not obligated to tell anyone the ‘why’ of everything, only to trust Him. This shows up early in the OT:

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. (Romans 9:15–18)

During the past few days, I could not concentrate in prayer. I’d start and immediately my mind went somewhere else. That is frustrating. Also, I slept several hours each day. That is not normal either, but seemed necessary.

Today’s reading is about God not being a respecter of persons. That means I cannot say I am immune from trouble for any reason on my part. He can protect me — or not. One pastor said this week that some Christians in our church are suffering but remain cheerful. That is a Holy Spirit thing and all I wanted to do was sleep?

Paul didn’t have the same problems, but he knew that the job he was given would bring suffering. Reading this passage makes me feel I need to think more like he thought:

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. (2 Timothy 1:8–12)

While my issues do not seem to be related in a specific sense to respecter of persons, the idea that God is going to give me special treatment while others suffer is not true. I’ve often called myself “God's spoiled brat” but He does not favor and protect me for who I am. His working is according to His will, and I cannot claim to be honored above anyone else.

Today’s reading ends with this statement and it is an important truth, one for which I need a good reminder as I seem to be giving myself too much respect:

“God is no respecter of persons,’ and neither should we be. There is no place in the church of God for the honoring of human flesh. We court none and we despise none. We receive as brethren all who worship our God. All are to be treated with equal love, care and esteem. Rich and poor, black and white, male and female—are all equals in Christ.”

PRAY: Jesus, I’m no wiser on the why of this experience, but like Job, I need to simply respect who You are and what You do without insisting You give me a reason or any other special treatment. You have saved me, given me Yourself and eternal life. That is special treatment — and totally not at all related to anything I’ve done to deserve it. Forgive me for thinking that I am more special than I am. You are the Lord, no matter what happens!