Peace!

Peace!

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV

Context and Charge:

This is part of the first sermon of Jesus. As was always the case, he had a crowd of people following him everywhere and hanging on every word he spoke. But as was always the case too, Jesus had some words for the crowd and some for those who had stepped out of the crowd to follow and obey him. The distinction here is quite important, as it defines what to expect from each category of people. It is easy to get lost in a crowd; to just blend in and go with the flow, but it is another thing to make the decision to follow Jesus instead. One takes no commitment; the other, a lot of commitment. One needs no major sacrifices; the other, a lot of sacrifices and self-denial. Which category do I see myself in? Am I a part of the crowd, or a follower of Christ?

If I am truly a follower of Christ, today's extract speaks to me. It is one of the attributes and character traits of those who follow Christ. I note that what today's extract speaks on is an attribute of Christ. I will not be required to produce character traits that are not in line with the nature of Christ that I claim to know. If I do indeed belong to Christ, men must see his imprint upon my life. If men would not have cause to doubt the honesty and sincerity behind my pursuits and priorities, I must be sure and certain of my identity. The attribute in focus here is peace. In a world seemingly focused on self-destruction, the message today is clear: all who are in Christ must live by different standards. How would the world be attracted to Christ, if there is no difference? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Today's verse calls peacemakers blessed. To be a peacemaker is to have a heart that sees the best of other people. No matter how dire the situation or how bad things have degenerated, I must be able to introduce peace. Now, this is the thing: there is no guarantee that the warring parties will listen, heed and change, but what you do not do is to make the situation worse, fan the flame of hatred, bitterness and division or take sides. The only side that matters will be the side of truth; truth as laid out by God. After all, I am a representative of the God of peace, so my presence must promote and entrench peace. When I reach out with that which is God's in me, I am blessed. I am God's ears, eyes, hands, lips, feet and heart. Whatever I say, do or think must celebrate God and make Him known to the world.

Of course, the world knows its own, but it also knows those who are different. The last part of the verse for today reflects the view of both God and man. If I seek, pursue and promote peace, I am a child of God, known to Him and the whole world too. I do not have to wait until the rapture or death in order to enjoy all that is on offer. This earthly life is God's platform for the manifestation of His person, power, plan and purpose. Would you not want to enjoy the fullness of the riches of God's grace and favour? 

Seek after that which is God's and see him bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Live as He would live, and see how He makes your life the generational blessing it was created to be. I am a child of God, and my life's daily decisions reflect this. God's time of favour is here.