Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” I remember, when I first became a Christian and came across the Beatitudes.
Colossians 1:19-22 “For it pleased the Father that in Jesus all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” How easily we forget that the state of mankind before we were reconciled was alienation from and hostility towards God, objects of wrath due to the fall because of sin of both commission (doing what ought not to be done in the eyes of God) and of omission (not doing what ought to be done in the eyes of God). Who is the real “Peacemaker” here? But our Creator God, the Reconciler! Romans 5:10-11 “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
I have a little video gadget on the right side of my Blog homepage that visually gives the gospel message that we began with perfect communion, love and peace with God, then sin rips through the relationship connection separating us from God, but then God reconciles us by sending Jesus to pay for our sin with His atoning life, so the Cross bridges the gap and restores relationship, so we again have peace with God. We cannot have the peace of God until we have peace with God through the blood of Jesus Christ. How are we reconciled to God? John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” How do we receive this reconciliation? By believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ and accepting the free gift of salvation, justification and eternal life though His blood. What makes you a peacemaker? First, it is having peace with God.
Romans 12:1-2 & 16-18 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13 “Live in peace with each other.” The Greek verb used in the phrase “live in peace” suggests an ongoing condition or action. Believers are commanded to be continually living in peace with one another. The idea is to maintain peace rather than initiate it.
The blessing that the peacemaker receives is that they shall be called sons of God. According to Jewish thought, the word “son” carried the idea of one who bears the characteristics of the father. As the moon reflects the light of the Sun for all to see; the sons and daughters of God are to reflect their Father God’s characteristics; the light of truth and righteousness revealed from their Father in Heaven. Peacemakers are men and women who are at peace with God and have the peace of God in their heart. When God changes a heart and cleanses us from our selfishness, prideful, “I”-centered flesh, it is then that we are able to show the love of God to a chaotic world and be peacemakers. Our priorities have been transformed. Live at peace with those people in our lives so that we can influence them in the name of Jesus Christ. Help “the Lost”, the enemies of God see their need to be reconciled to Him though a “saving" knowledge of the Blessed Redeemer. Peace be with you. – John 20
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
In Christ, Brian
2 comments:
Great and timely reminder brother!
Thank you Pastor Gregg. Jesus said in John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. To abide means "to live in", so this metaphor tells us that we must live, to grow and be fruitful in Jesus and look at life through the Word of God. To do this, we need to read, study and meditate upon the these holy Scripture from the living God to & for us. How easily we forget and need reminding of the Lord's will and way for our abundant living as disciples of our redeeming Savior and children of our Creator Father God as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. The glory is to God. Thanks for writing.
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