Reading With the People of God #11 Blessedනියැදිය

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

The Children of God

Blessed are the peacemakers is full of meaning. With the promise of being called children of God, it must have something to do with Jesus, the Son of God and the Prince of Peace. The peace Jesus brought to us is reconciliation with God, harmony with Him, in that reconciliation we became children of God. Jesus is telling those who will be a part of His coming kingdom that they must bring His peace to the world.

That ability to spread peace will come as a fruit of the Holy Spirit to those who come to God through Christ (Galatians 5:22). As citizens of a new Kingdom our minds are renewed to the Word, the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). We are empowered by God to do His work among the people, all people. As peacemakers, our first calling is to share the way to peace with God through Christ.

In a world of rancor and contention, we are called to bring peace and to make peace, not to add to toxic rhetoric and fear-mongering. We are called to bring peace and hope to the downcast and hurting. Our character, outlook, and purpose must be the same as our Lord’s who is our example of how to live as peacemakers. (Ephesians 2:14)

* Devotional primer contributed by Jinet Troost