Scripture:
Matthew 5:9 (ESV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9 (TM) "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
Observation:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. The Greek word used for "peacemakers" means the founders of peace.
Bruce Metzger points out that the emphasis is on the verb "make." In chapter 7, verses Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus gives us qualifications of the peacemaker. But above all He personified this peace in Himself.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14-17, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us… . for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh" (KJV).
The message of peace is the message of the gospel; for people find peace within themselves and among themselves as they enter right-relatedness with God in Christ. Such persons are known in society as "the sons of God."
The word peace, shalom in the Hebrew, is not a negative state; it denotes not simply the absence of evil, but is a positive word which has to do with the well-being of another, seeking for him the highest good. Consequently, being a peacemaker is to work for right relations between persons, all persons. The Christian church has a calling which will separate the children of God from people of violence and war, a calling to work for peace and well-being among men.
Application:
Blessed are the Peacemakers:
• The very essence of peace is the Love one has received from God first. You cannot love others the way you need to, unless you have experienced God’ love in first place.
• Luke 6:27-28 – “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
• John 13: 35 – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
• Think about first century Christians, even in the most atrocious persecution, they refused to react violently, but always promoted peace.
• Peace makers are not only those who have a broader influence, but also those whom we turn to in our daily lives. You may find certain people in your church, community, family, workplace. These are the people who resolves differences and conflicts to maintain peace.
The reward for the Peacemakers is very unique. “They will be called sons of God.” People may critique their methods or ways, but they cannot deny their work or the fact that it can only come from God.
Prayer:
"Lord, with the Holy Spirit leading and directing, I want to daily be a peacemaker. It is difficult sometimes, as there are many troubled, mean spirited people who You will bring our way, but the reason they come our way is so that we can impact thim for Your kingdom's sake. Help me to truly love the 'sandpaper' personalities of life. In Jesus' name, amen!"
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