Saturday, October 24, 2009
Peace Prize
(matthew 5:9)
Our world is in a continual state of conflict and unrest. Where contentions have not yet come to bloodshed, the war of words demonstrates the hostility that lies just beneath the surface of a tenuous peace. One need only look at the current situation in the Middle East to find ample illustration of shaky peace brokered by sinful men.
Peacemaking, it seems, is of utmost importance. And those who successfully reconcile opposing forces should be our heroes. The Nobel Peace Prize is issued annually by Europe’s elite as recognition of those who seek to broker lasting peace among the nations. This year’s winner, however, has left many wondering about the legitimacy of both the judges and the prize itself.
In his brief political tenure, Mr. Obama has succeeded at one thing: talking. His list of significant accomplishments for the cause of peace is not only short; it is non existent. Even the fawning media admitted their surprise, stating that the prize must have been awarded for Mr. Obama’s “form and tone” rather than for substantive accomplishment.
The peacemakers of whom Jesus spoke are more than big talkers. Jesus expects His disciples to be active agents of peace with a steadily growing list of accomplishments. Peacemakers don’t just talk peace; they make it. How?—by mitigating conflict through Biblical principles, by teaching unconditional forgiveness, and by imitating the example set by Jesus Himself. Peace is not accomplished by talk alone. Peace comes as the Prince of Peace reigns supreme in individual lives.
