Verse of the Day 3/18

Through the Bible - Joshua 1-2, Luke 1:57-80

 

Good morning,

Part of my job is to investigate complaints and to find out if they are justified or not justified.  In either case, the overall goal is to come to an equitable or fair agreement with the customer.  Sometimes it involves an explanation of an improper installation and involves educating the customer, sometimes it goes above and beyond replacing the product.  The goal is that there be peace not enmity between the parties involved.

 

I read a devotional the other day on Matthew 5:9 which has been going through my mind for several days.   We'll consider it for today's verse.

 

Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.   NKJV

John MacArthur writes, "a peacemaker helps others make peace with others.  Once you see your duty as a peacemaker in the world, you'll be looking for ways to build bridges between people and God and then to build them between persons.

By definition, a bridge can't be one-sided.  It must extend between two sides or it can never function.  And once built, it continues to need support on both sides or it will collapse.  In any relationship our first responsibility is to see that our own side has a solid base.  But we also have the responsibility to help the one on the other side build his base.  Both must be built on righteousness and truth or the bridge will not stand."

 

We are to be peacemakers in the world.  Christ came to bring peace on earth and that is our hope in leading others to Christ.  But it wont be done by beating them over the head and pointing out all their faults.

It will be done when we truly love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, mind, and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves.

 

It also involves "meekness", found a few verses earlier.

 

Matt 5:5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.   NKJV

I have read that this "meekness" as personified in Jesus, would be defined as "power under control".  Put this peacemaking and meekness together and you can see how Jesus applied it.

 

You can apply it to other Bible characters as well.  If you are reading through the Bible, you may be starting Joshua in the Old Testament, he is another good example. 

 

Josh 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."   NKJV

How might you use these qualities of being a peacemaker, using power under control to build bridges in leading others to Christ?

In Christ,

Mike

 

Matt 5:1-13

5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

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 filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain 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 they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

NKJV