January 23, 2022
"Walk This Way; Peacemaking and Persecution”
Matthew 5:9-10
Peacemaking and Persecution
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
One after the other, the Beatitudes tell us that the blessings of eternity will be given only to those who have become new creations in Christ.
If we don’t obtain mercy, we receive judgment. If we don’t see God, we are not in heaven. If we aren’t called the sons of God, we are outside the family. These are all descriptions of final salvation, and it is promised to the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.
Obedience in not optional. True children resemble their Father.
Jesus Made Peace
“He made peace by the blood of the cross” Colossians 1:20
The Spirit of God Is the Spirit of Peace
Paul says in Galatians 4:6, “because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” He also says in Romans 8:14, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.” Being led by the Spirit always includes bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45
Achieving peace requires taking action to promote harmony. In working towards peace, peacemakers reconcile people with God and with each other.
Attempts at peacemaking sometimes fail. The Bible affirms that a person is responsible for his efforts to promote peace only “as far as it depends on [that person]” (Romans 12:18). There are people who will insist on living in strife no matter the effort a peacemaker makes to foster agreement. No matter the results of a peacemaker’s efforts, Jesus promises that the peacemaker will be blessed by specifically being called a child of God (Matthew 5:9).
Blessed Are the Persecuted
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
Five of the main reasons that Christians are persecuted:
1. Jesus is competition for power
If someone becomes a Christian, Jesus is our King. Our ultimate allegiance is to Him and His name is above all others.
2. Christianity challenges the surrounding culture
In every culture, following Jesus means challenging culture. A group of peacemaking people who seek justice, love mercy, and orient their lives around God’s Word look different to the world.
3. Doing good means opposing the bad
Standing up for justice when the surrounding culture is unjust means that persecution will soon follow.
4. A new identity is dangerous
When a person converts to follow Jesus, they are doing more than adopting a new belief system; they are often viewed as having turned their backs on their families, their friends, their communities and even their nation.
5. Jesus is competition for other beliefs
Following Jesus can be seen as a direct challenge to the dominant belief system of faith.
All Things New
There are many more reasons Christians are targeted and hated around the world. Christianity is also viewed as a threat by so many who fear the idea of Jesus as the ultimate giver of life.
Christians may be hated; but they are not alone. They have you and I and a Family of believers all over the planet, and Jesus commands us to love them (John 13:34). Through prayer and support, we have the opportunity to stand with believers when they are attacked, when they encounter discrimination and when they are rejected by their families, government and communities. Jesus is a King above all other kings, and His Church provides a family and a community that is above all other families and communities!
And, we can take comfort that we serve a God who is “making all things new” (Rev. 21:5)—a God who promises that though we will encounter suffering, he will wipe away every tear (Rev. 21:4) and restore a Kingdom of Peace.
“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.” 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-16
