Matthew 5:9-12
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Take a moment to read back over Matthew 5:1-8 remembering that each quality mentioned builds on the last. Then read Matthew 5:9-12 a couple of times letting the words sink in.
When Jesus speaks of “those who work for peace,” he’s not just talking about people who settle others down or those who attempts to end conflict. Jesus is talking about someone who works to bring wholeness to others. The Greek word for peace, eiréné, is the word used in the New Testament to indicate shalom - a peacemaker is someone who spreads shalom.
We considered previously that someone who recognizes their desperation for God is more able to yield their power to God’s control. And someone who yields to God in this way begins to long for God’s will and way to be restored in the world. We have also seen that mercy must go hand in hand with justice to accurately reflect the character of God. And we have contemplated the great mercy of God that gave us Jesus so we could be pure in heart and thus be reunited with the Holy God.
Once we’ve experienced a restored relationship with God through Jesus, we become Jesus’ agents of restoration in the world. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers.
Stop to think about the progression of the qualities listed in the “Beatitudes:”
Poverty of spirit – mourning – humility (meekness) – a hunger and thirst for justice – mercy – purity of heart – peacemaking
How have you experienced Jesus developing you in these ways? What do you want to say to Jesus about this?
Read Matthew 5:9-12 again noticing any reactions you have.
Up until verse 10, every quality Jesus lists probably seems desirable, but persecution is not something most of us would welcome. Yet Jesus says that those who are persecuted for living lives of justice and restoration are to be envied.
It seems that as we grow closer to God we become less and less concerned about opposition and personal attack, because our love for God compels us to spread shalom regardless of the cost. More and more we find our confidence and comfort in God, and we begin to reflect God’s unconditional love even to those who oppose us. And when we live like this, God’s Kingdom becomes our home.
Stop to think about the concept of God’s Kingdom being “home.” What thoughts or feelings arise as you consider this?
What do you sense Jesus asking you to do in response to these “beatitudes?”
What will you do about that?
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