Listen

“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.

Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.

Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.”

Matthew 5:7-9

Think

Just one month ago, we celebrated that a new king and a new kingdom were born — as a vulnerable baby in a barn over on the edge of town. No one was even there except some shepherds and three astrologers from another city. You’d think that such an extraordinary event as God being born into human skin and ushering in a whole new kingdom would get worldwide TV coverage and governmental accolades and fanfare — but no.

Do you think a vulnerable baby is the kind of ruler our culture wants? No, our culture — indeed, cultures all over the world — feed on rulers and leaders who are unsympathetic, tell-it-like-it-is, corrupt in heart, and combative. Those are sure-fire ways to get TV coverage or win governmental accolades these days, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Following the merciful, pure-in-heart, peacemaking Way of Jesus will not get you governmental accolades. It won’t even get you a parade. But Jesus calls this way blessed. These are the happy ones, he says.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, challenge me to look for and celebrate those who are pure in heart, merciful, and working for peace. Because that is where you and your children are. Amen.

Go

Today, join God in turning the world right-side-up, one decision at a time.