Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Context: Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
From the lexicon: Blessed=God extends His benefits. Peacemakers=ones who declare God’s terms for peace. Called=given the name. Children= sharing the same nature as their Father.
Pulling it together: Matthew 5:9 Blessed–in the position to receive God’s benefits–are those who declare God’s terms of peace to a lost and dying world, for they shall be declared to be God’s children, sharing His nature.
At the writing of this quiet time entry, there is a war going on against a disease the like none in our generation has seen before in terms of its effect on our nation and this world. The virus has been battled on several fronts and has changed how we do things. But there is another battle going on which is overlooked in our society even though it is more deadly. It is the battle against sin and darkness.
God calls out warriors to engage in this spiritual battle. He calls the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8), i.e., those who have had their hearts cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God. He calls on us to be His peacemakers to declare His terms of peace–the Gospel of Jesus Christ, despite the possible rejection and persecution by those who need to hear its message (v. 10).
Lord, I pray for grace to have the boldness to share the Good News of how Jesus came and died to pay the price for sin and how any who will receive Him will become Your child. I pray Your Church will wake up and put away our distractions and make a stand in this turbulent hour when men seek to tear down our country’s moral fiber and openly oppose Your people.