April 15

April 15, 2009

Becoming a Peacemaker

Two examples of peacemaking are found in our reading today. The first is David and his peacemaking wisdom as he returns from exile. Even as he returns to Jerusalem as a victor in the coup attempt he is gracious in the spoils of war. His grace flowed to both Shimei and Mephibosheth and his example is a reminder that when we are placed in positions of power we must still be gracious. David could have easily punished both of them for their lack of loyalty but he overlooked it and united the nation together. His broader mission was not for his own glory and power but to unite the nation again. Only peacemaking can bring a nation together.

The second example is the wise mother at the town of Abel. There is nothing quite like the wisdom of motherhood. We don’t know anything about this woman who spared her city from destruction except her advice.

2 Samuel 20:18-19 She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it. 19We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord's inheritance?"

When people used to need answers they would find them at the city of Abel. It was a place of wisdom and good advice. No wonder the city was described as a mother. Mothers are indeed wise peacemakers. For the most part they are a fountain of wisdom and understanding.
They come by this wisdom almost naturally, if not by sheer necessity. A mother’s day is a virtual peacemaking mission. She must settle arguments between child and children, children and herself and children and their fathers. There are no formal schools where mothers pick up these peacemaking skills, it just seems to come naturally with the job.

So if you find yourself at war or at odds with someone today pick up the phone and call your mom for her advice. If your mother is not available it would be wise to build a relationship with some godly older woman who can fill that role.

Be a peacemaker today.