We are declared innocent, not by our deeds, but solely by the work of Jesus. Made in the image of God, from the moment we say yes to Him, He awakens in us a desire to please Him; while simultaneously igniting the Refiner's fire to purify His beloved. He's never content to leave us where He finds us or where we currently are. Likewise, a passion to stand on truth, regardless of consequence, will begin to flow through a secure—loved—refined—and purified heart.
I previously split the eight Beatitudes into two sets of four. The first four relate to relationship with God; the next, relationship with people. It's become clear to me that the latter four are actually three. The last Beatitude Jesus described persecution as it relates to the Christian. We'll talk more about that next time—for now, let's talk peace.
Jesus begins His progressive statements with poor in spirit. When our need for Him is realized, it leads to a mourning over sin that produces in us meekness, and a hunger and thirst for righteousness—creating an appetite to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus said this is the first and greatest commandment.
From that love flows much fruit, beginning with mercy, purity of heart, and as we will see today, peace. These are the building blocks in caring for the souls of others; loving your neighbor as yourself—the second greatest command that Jesus said is as equally important as the first.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV)
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone. (Hebrews 12:14a NIV)
God calls us to pursue peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV
The difficulty of this Beatitude is never more clear to me than in 2021. How, in such a volatile world, does one have peace? I mean, don't I first have to possess something before I can offer it to someone else? Not much today resembles peace, yet God calls us to be peacemakers.
However, make no mistake here, Jesus is not talking about becoming a peace-keeper. Consider a tale of two pastors who are facing an issue that can cause division. One presents truth regardless of the outcome. The other shapes his response to ensure he pleases everyone. Peacemakers do not seek conflict, but they also do not ignore or cheapen truth just to keep the peace. That is not peace at all. Peace-keeping can cause confusion. Peacemaking results in stability and is comforting because it's grounded in truth. Peacemakers promote peace, they don't compromise it.
After reviewing the progression of the Beatitudes thus far, I think it's safe to say that peace flows from a pure heart. A pure heart's desire is to bring peace to others. But how? Let's go back to the beginning; 'It is not something you do, it's who you become when Jesus lives in you.'
As trouble consistently presents itself, Jesus instilled peace in His beloved, not to hoard for themselves, but to offer to others.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Author Catherine McNiel writes,
"Yes, darkness looms palpable. The groaning is real, and despair always whispers at our backs. But the Christian faith centers itself, from first to last, in the hope of shalom,
[…]
We are so vulnerable, so fragile; the risk is high, the chances uncertain. Surely floods and drought, weeds and pests will assail us. Openhearted, we tenaciously offer everything we are to the same world notorious for its fierce tendency to utterly destroy."
Peacemakers are called children of God because when they make peace, they look most like Him.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18 NKJV
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