Peace!

Peace!

Matthew 5:9 AMP

[9] “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Another category of persons that God calls blessed are the makers and maintainers of peace. Reflect on this: there are people who choose peace over being proven right. They know who they are, they know what is right and fair, but without compromising on their faith in God, or breaking the law, they are able to find a way out of conflict or trouble. It does not mean that they are weak; they have just found a higher calling and a more efficient way to make God known. What makes this even more important is the truth that those who seek to be like God have to show off His nature and characteristics. How else can I show God off than to show off His nature?

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He did not come to lay aside the law that prescribed punishment for sin, but He came to fulfil and discharge its requirements in a different way. He died in the place of those who actually did the wrong, but in His sacrifice, He has opened up a new way of access to God, and by Him, we now have His life in us, His name on us, and His nature in and shining through us. When we speak, we reflect His identity. When we relate, we show off His presence and power in us. This is why it has always been emphasized that this message is for disciples and not the uncommitted majority. Am I one of His disciples, or am I still one of the crowd?

Why is peace the focus? Peace is defined as 'much more than the mere absence of conflict or war. It is a holistic state of completeness, soundness, well-being, and harmony. It is a state of right relationship with God, oneself, and others, ultimately rooted in the character of God'. This is the strength and power of the peace that is spoken about here: it flows from God to us, and it impacts all areas of our lives. It is hard to compartmentalise my life and only allow God's peace to thrive in some areas of my life. If God does not control all, it will be hard for that life to really experience the version of peace that is the focus here. Is God in full control of my life? Does He own all?

The world is looking out for the difference. 8t has seen all versions of conflicts, as well as pretenders. It is those who have God that can show off this right version of peace. If I have Him, I am able to make and maintain peace. It does not mean that everyone will believe or accept the message, but they know where I stand and who I believe in. Jesus also told His disciples then, and He also tells us now that if we let His peace reign in and through us, we express His character, and men will see His imprint in and on us. What grace it is for men to call me a child of God, because they can see His life in me. Can the same be said of you? God's time of favour is here.

Pure!

Pure!

Matthew 5:8 AMP

[8] “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

Today, we consider yet again another one of the classes of people Jesus refers to as blessed. It is important to consider what God calls blessed, as it is not the same as what the world calls blessed. To be blessed is to 'experience God's divine favor, inner peace, and spiritual well-being, rather than material wealth or perfect circumstances. It is a state of deep, joy-filled contentment that remains untouched by life's hardships'. It is first an inner state that impacts the outward; the world sets it the other way around. This tells me is that it is difficult for the world to defend a definition of being blessed that it can totally explain or fully understand. 

The world will not understand the demands of the verse above. This is also why the charge in the verse above was given to the disciples of Jesus, and not the crowd. Pray, how does the uncommitted majority know the value of purity, when it does not even know or submit to the Holy God? The crowd will only hear and enjoy the words, but it does not have the strength or capability to obey. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, be sure that He will supply what is needed to obey, as well as demand an accounting for that which He has commanded. Am I part of the crowd, or am I a true disciple? 

One definition of purity is 'not just about avoiding wrong behaviors, but it is a state of being morally uncompromised and wholly devoted to God. It encompasses both inner integrity and external actions, reflecting God’s own flawless character'. You do not define purity first from what a man does, but who lives in the inside of him. His external actions flow from his internal condition. His public face is a reflection of his private devotion. It has to be made clear that God is the focus of purity, as it is His own nature. God is holy, and that is His standard. The lesson here for me is to ensure that the internal is sorted; the public will take care of itself. 

Of course, when you are like God, you will end up with God. When you walk with God, you become more and more like Him. That is what proximity to God leads to. I cannot spend time with God, and men will not see His imprint on my life. I cannot be a follower of Christ Jesus and my life will not reflect His presence, glory and virtue. It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above says that the pure in heart shall see God. As they walk on earth, they will see God move in their defence. It may not always look good, but it will definitely end well. What is the use of a life that is only good for this earthly phase? I will see God when this earthly phase is over. God's time of favour is here. 

Mercy!

Mercy!

Matthew 5:7 AMP

[7] “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Again, it is important to emphasize that the audience always defines the impact of the message. Two people can hear the same words at the same time, but both of them can come to different interpretations and applications of the demands of those words. There are times when emotions, feelings or the experience of that person at the time may impact how the person receives the words, but it has to be made clear that though God knows we are human, He does not, and will not excuse sin. He will not lower His standards for anyone, but be sure that if you say you are a follower of Him, be ready to live up to His standards. 

This was at play here: Jesus was speaking to His disciples, but there was a crowd there too, listening to His words. As we now know, God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He refers to those who are merciful as blessed, you need to find out what it means to be merciful, so you can enjoy the blessings as promised. Mercy refers to 'compassionate, forgiving, or lenient treatment given to someone whom you have the power to punish or harm. It means showing kindness or forbearance when fairness or justice might otherwise demand severity'. It is not mercy that the gulity demands, but the one in power offers freely, and without compulsion. 

Reflect on this: a person has truly offended, and it is clear what the punishment should be. I will not be wrong to apply the punishment as required, but the higher calling of God in my life requires me to see the person in the light of the God who also forgave, cleansed and redeemed me, so I could even be in a position where I am able to extend the same grace I have received to other people. Applying the just punishment is not wrong; God only calls us to react and respond to people with the understanding of who we are now, because of the mercy that God Himself extended to us. I am also conscious of the fact that I cannot give what I do not have.

This is why the verse above is for disciples, not the uncommitted majority. I cannot show mercy if I have not first received, personally responded to, and appropriated the mercy of God. That is why I am blessed: I have received it, and I am able to give it. Think of this as a never-ending cycle: God shows mercy; I am able to receive it and give it back to other people, and I receive more of it in return. The God who asks me to show it supplies it in abundant measure too. That is the perfect example I can pattern my life after. As the verse above makes clear, mercy shelters me and God's promises become my daily reality.  God does not owe a man; if I obey, He will deliver. As always, the choice is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

The Satisfaction!

The Satisfaction!

Matthew 5:6 AMP

[6] “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. 

We have already established that God seeks men who will give their lives totally to Him. He does not do partial commitments, false religion or half-hearted devotion. He wants my all, or nothing at all. I believe this has been made quite clear since the beginning of this series on the Lord’s sermon on the mountain. These words, as have also been pointed out, are for disciples, not the uncommitted crowd. The demands are tough enough; how do you expect a man who has no allegiance or devotion to Christ to put up with these?  It is a disciple who knows his master, what the master desires, and is careful to follow and obey the master. Does this describe me?

The classes of people referred to in the verse above are those who know their true state: hungry and thirsty after righteousness. These people have their pasts, and they know how far God has brought them. They are not full of themselves, or proud of any achievement, but they know they stand simply by God's grace and mercy. They also know what is lacking in their lives, are never satisfied with comforts or convenience, and are always seeking ways to please God and be in His favour. These desires are presented as hunger and thirst. When a man is truly hungry, he is never at rest until the hunger is fully satisfied. When a man is truly thirsty, there can be no rest until that thirst is appeased. 

Why is this hunger and thirst so important? It is because these are truly never satisfied all at once and are never truly gone for a true disciple. You do not outgrow a need for God. A disciple never becomes his master. Yes, you may have a mastery of an issue, but it is not a ground for pride or self-sufficiency. It is a mastery that makes you humble, and reminds you that whatever it is you have is given to you by God. It is a never-ending quest for more of God; the more of Him you know, the more of Him you desire. The more of Him you know, the more of Him you realise you are yet to know. You cannot be so full of God that there is no room for more of Him. 

This state is one that Jesus refers to as blessed. These people know the need, know the right source for the supply, and they seek after Him with all their hearts. It is no wonder that the promise of Jesus for such people is that they will be completely satisfied. How can you be completely satisfied if the hunger and thirst are never gone? This is where God is not like man; He can give you all of Him, and yet you will always come back for more of Him, because you cannot have all of Him in this lifetime. If I will be truly satisfied, I need God to fill out all areas of my life. Whatever He controls, be sure it will work out well. God's time of favour is here. 

The Inheritance!

The Inheritance!

Matthew 5:5 AMP

[5] “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Again, the message in the verse above is for those people who have made a decision to surrender control to another. It needs to be emphasised over and over again that there are messages for the general public, but there are demands and expectations for specific audiences, and in this case, disciples. The verse above is taken from the first Sermon of Jesus on the mountain, as He sat down with the men He had chosen to follow Him. There was a massive crowd at the foot of the mountain, but at this time, the message was not for them. It will be hard to demand accountability from someone who has not opened an account with you.

It is hard to expect allegiance from someone who is not subject to your rules of residence or citizenship. As it is applicable to the world's system, so is it also applicable to the spiritual system. The first step towards getting a hand on the blessings described in the verse above is to have the One who can give them to you living inside of you. How can I be led the right way if I do not have the right content and control? The world is a pressure cooker; it demands instant gratification, and also places unreasonable demands for riches, relevance and reward. It is a never-ending cycle because you do not have a clear view of what success and satisfaction look like. 

The verse above refers to the gentle, whilst another person calls them the meek. What does this mean to be meek? It is 'the quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive, often reflecting deep inner humility' it is sometimes associated with timidity, but more accurately defined as "strength under control", which is the ability to assert power but choosing to exercise restraint, kindness, and patience. Reflect on this: Moses had power: he could call out water from a rock; his staff was used to perform mighty miracles; God spoke with him face to face, as a man speaks with his friend; God defended him vigorously even against his own brother and sister, yet he never sought an advantage. 

He did not seek to be bigger or better than anyone. That is being meek or gentle. Even when the occasion calls for it, can I trust God to sort things out, whilst I wait on His leading and guidance? Can I speak only as and when He commands, not to push an agenda, but to seek His glory? It is not a wonder, then, that the reward for being meek or gentle is to inherit the earth. It is not so much the tangible space called earth, but the benefits, blessings and balance of the earthly phase. Picture a man who has God inside Him, and peace all around him, even in the face of pressure. There is inward peace and spiritual security. Who else, except God, can give you these? God's time of favour is here. 

The Refreshing!

The Refreshing!

Matthew 5:4 AMP

[4] “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].

As we read yesterday, there is special access given to people who have made up their minds to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and are striving to follow and obey Him on a daily basis. As always, there are instructions for the disciple, and other directives for the crowd. The expectations from the crowd are not the same as those for the disciple; one is not yet committed to the cause, and is free to flow in any direction that the wind may blow. It is not so for the disciple; the decision to surrender is not one to be taken carelessly or without thought. There are no guarantees of a smooth life, but there are ful guarantees of support and help when you need them.

This is why the message in the verse above is critical for us today. Let it not be that a man thinks he is now above the power of sin because of salvation. Yes, that is what you get, but the power over sin does not come from muscles, brainpower, brawn, influence or connections, but from the One who tasted and defeated sin and death on the cross. He is the One who provides all that I need for life and Godliness. By His help, I can face the fiery darts or the schemes of the devil. I am not in any position to beat my own chest, and rely on anything I have to beat the devil at his own game. The victory comes from God, and it is secured by total and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. 

So that there is no temptation for anyone to think it is impossible to live a life free of sin, remember that the help we need does not come from anything we are, have or know, but from the God who knows, loves and cherishes us. He will not let go of us, and will not leave us to our own devices. Even if it happens that we fall, He does not let go, and He will do all He can, like the Good Shepherd, to restore us to full fellowship with Him. This is why a daily walk with God is critical here: do not let the devil utilize a guilty conscience to drive you farther away from the Help that is present as well as eternal. Even if I fall, I have the sure word of God that He will help me up.

As the verse above makes clear, it becomes important for me to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so I know when I am wrong, and can take immediate steps to return. If the sensitivity is lost, it becomes harder to be pricked by sin. For all who mourn over their sins and repent, the assurance is that they will be comforted. The bible makes clear that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repent, and I can add that there is also joy when one who has fallen also gets up again. I have all the help I need to live above sin, and I know that no matter what happens, I am not alone. What comfort! What joy! What hope! Do you have these? God's time of favour is here. 

The Possession

The Possession!

Matthew 5:3 AMP

[3] “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

One definition of inheritance that speaks to the verse above is this: 'to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion'. It is not the usual way by which men receive an inheritance. The owner of the possession has to make his will clear as to who takes over what and how, and whatever it is to be inherited must still be in existence and under the ownership and control of the person giving that thing away. You cannot write into a will that which is not yours at the time of death. I also note that the definition above speaks to divine portion. This is critical: the inheritance here does not look anything like what the natural man handles.

This inheritance is of divine origin and focus, but its reality will indeed be felt, seen, and handled when it is received. As we also know, you have to belong to the family of the man giving out his possession, for you to even dare think of getting anything. In the same way, for this divine portion to accrue to me, I have to belong to the family of the One who owns the eternal reward. I note that the words above were said to His disciples, not the crowd. Yes, the crowd was listening, but as we know, proximity does not always equate possession. Being close to the heir means nothing, unless the testator mentions your name directly. Am I one of the disciples? 

Being part of the family gives me access to the benefits of the family, but the verse above takes a step further to make clear what I need to do to lay hold of the inheritance. As this is a divine portion, it is not about what I deserve, merit or work hard for. I need the right attitude to have access to what is available. The verse above speaks about being poor in spirit; being empty of all spiritual arrogance. It is good to be a disciple or follower as the first step, but it does not end there. I must stay connected to the supply that I need for the journey. I do not have it all figured out by myself; the One who calls men to Himself, is the One who can help me stand. Do you have Him? 

The reward is His to determine, and when the heart is right, I have access to what has been promised. It is interesting to note that the verse above speaks to the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven being for those who are poor in spirit. Heaven is the ultimate goal, yet we have a taste of it whilst on earth. My life of submission and surrender is the platform on which heaven is made manifest. I start to enjoy all that heaven represents, even before I I lay hold of the eternal life that has also been promised. This is where God is not like man: He lets me have a taste of the real thing even before I lay hold of it permanently. This is what I am entitled to by my new birth. What of you? God's time of favour is here