“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. Matthew 5:9 AMP
The Context and Focus:
The sermon of Jesus on the mountain continues. The verse above refers to another class of people, who are the makers and maintainers of peace. It is instructive to note that both making and maintaining peace are mentioned in the verse above. What would peace mean? Two definitions stand out, and these are: 'freedom from disturbance; tranquillity' and 'a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended'. In both instances, there would have been some war, conflict or disturbance, but someone would have made every effort to promote an end to it. How can anyone know the value of peace, if you have never known the danger or reality of war? It is usually the generation that has never fought in a war, or seen the devastation and destruction war brings, that does all in its power to start one. For all who have had to resolve conflicts, it is clear that most times, you do not even know what started the conflict, yet generations after are still trying to resolve the issues.
The Message:
How does a man make and maintain peace, especially when you do not even know what the root cause of the issue is? This is where the audience and reception matter. Jesus was speaking to men who had made the decison to follow and submit to Him. The commands of God may be known by everyone, but He does not force Himself on anyone. If I decide to come to Him, I am saying I recognize and submit to His authority. His commands then become my mandate. Whatever He commands become my daily guide. I also know that if i submit to Him, I have access to the grace that can help me align with His commands. If God asks me to follow peace with all men, He may allow conflicts to arise around me that will test my resolve. If I can depend on His grace, I will be able to hold on and follow peace. Jesus is also called the Prince of peace, so it means that if He lives in my heart, my life must manifest and reflect peace. It is not that there won't be issues, but it is just that a submitted heart will always have the support and supply it needs from the One in control.
The Conclusion:
Both making and maintaining peace are mentioned in the verse above, and I believe both are important. When there is conflict, my presence as a child of God must make a difference. When things go bad, my life must be able to make a positive impact. The verse above refers to those who make and maintain peace as people who express God's character. Indeed, God is a God of peace, and by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, he has made a way for man to be reconciled to Him. Anyone still running away from God needs to know and understand what has been offered, and take advantage of the grace that is free. God is a God of peace, so all who claim to know and follow Him must also walk in peace. This is one of the loudest ways we can reflect that we are children of God. I cannot give what I don't have, and you cannot fake it too it is a lifelong call to peace; not the occasional pursuit when it suits me, but a consistent lifestyle that shows off the One who lives in me. Does that describe me at this time? God's time of favour is here.
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