Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart – 1/12/2018

Daily Scripture

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ~ Matthew 5:9

Study

Peace – non-warring condition; a state of mutual harmony; freedom from civil commotion and violence; freedom from dissension; freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession; a state of tranquility or serenity; silence; stillness.

Peacemaker – a person, group, or nation that tries to make peace by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight.

Reconcile – to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something; to win over; cause to become amicable; to settle; to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent; to restore.

The Greek word translated “peacemaker” is used in only one other place in the New Testament, in a slightly different way. Colossians 1:19-20 says, “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven.”

Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. God delights in those who reconcile others to Himself—those who bring the gospel are “beautiful” (Isaiah 52:7). God “reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Those who bring reconciliation to broken relationships are carrying on the work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Those who give of themselves as Jesus did in order that others may know God are called “blessed.” There is no real peace apart from a relationship with God. What may masquerade as worldly peace is merely a temporary lull in chaos. True peace is found only in a restored relationship with God. “There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked’” (Isaiah 48:22).

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalm 46:10

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Meditation

The children of God can bring the peace of knowing Him to others. A person must have a real and abiding relationship with God before they can help someone else to know Him. Those who witness for Jesus Christ, share their faith with their friends, and serve others in the name of Jesus are the ambassadors for peace. As an ambassador, they bring the message of God’s peace to the world as “peacemakers.” Truly these are the “children of God.”

Prayer

Father God, I come before you this morning and ask You to help me to be one that reconciles others to You. Help me to live in peace through Jesus and to walk intentionally seeking to bring reconciliation to others. Help me to be bold in witnessing and showing love in all ways always. Help me to be at peace and look like peace in this chaotic world, and to do what I am called to do – to help not only bring people to You but to do my part in teaching all nations of You. I ask this in Jesus Name. Amen. I love You so much, Jesus ❤️