LIKE OUR KING by David Guzik EnduringWord.com
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.“ vs. 5:9.
The Beatitudes begin the famous Sermon on the Mount recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. These 8 statements of blessing describe for us the character of true citizens of the Kingdom Jesus preached – the Kingdom of His reign.
So far we have seen that when Jesus is King in our life there will be:
– Poverty of spirit, recognizing our need for God vs. 5:3
– Mourning over our sinful condition and that of this lost world vs. 5:4
– A meek, gentle attitude that trusts God more than self vs. 5:5
– Hunger and thirst after righteousness, both received from God and
seen in our life vs. 5:6
– Mercy to others, remembering mercy received vs. 5:7
– Purity of heart, leading to greater relationship with God vs.5:8
Next Jesus announced a blessing, describing another aspect of being a citizen of His kingdom: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
This does not describe those who live in peace, but those who actually bring about peace, overcoming evil with good. One way we accomplish this is through spreading the Good News of what Jesus did for mankind at the cross, because God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5:18. In evangelism we make peace between people and the God whom they have rejected and offended.
This blessing for making peace comes after the blessing for purity. This is the order of spiritual life: first purity, then peace. It isn’t making peace with sin or evil; the citizen of Jesus’ kingdom sets their face against all that goes against God and His purity. Yet once this is received through faith, then peace grows forth.
We commonly think of this peacemaking work as being the job of one person who stands between two fighting parties. This may be one way this is fulfilled; but one can also end a conflict and be a peacemaker when they are party to a conflict; when they are the injured or the offended party. It is the attitude that says, “I have been hurt and offended. But I chose to forgive and forget, thereby making peace.” This is very much consistent with the heart of God. After all, it is the devil who stirs up trouble and hatred between men. In contrast, God loves reconciliation and longs to make peace.
Notice the reward fo rthe peacemakers: “For they shall be called sons of God.” Their reward is that they are recognized as true children of God. They share His passion for peace and reconciliation, the breaking down of walls between people.
Indeed, God does bless the peacemakers; though people may treat them badly, they are blessed by God. They are blessed to be among the children of God, adopted into His family, surrounded by brothers and sisters through the ages.
For the most part being a peacemaker is a thankless job, at least among men. To take the iniative to reconcile or to bring two parties in conflict may be quite unappreciated. Yet in Jesus’ kingdom we do this for God’s sake, not for the applause of man. Perhaps unappreciated by man, God welcomes them as sons and daughters.
If anyone knew that blessedness of the peacemaker, it was Jesus Himself. He set Himself between two un-reconciled parties, and in doing so was afflicted by both sides. Think of Jesus on the cross: afflicted by man, who beat Him, nailed Him there, and mocked Him; and afflicted by God the Father Himself, Who put upon Him the guilt and judgment our sin deserved. Yet in enduring this suffering from both sides, Jesus made peace between man and God.
King Jesus was the greatest peacemaker ever; no wonder that the citizens of His kingdom who also make peace shall also “be called sons of God.” It’s worth thinking about: Where does God want me to make peace today? There is a blessing in it for you.
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