Preparing Our Hearts for Easter: Day 21 – Blessed are the Peacemakers

An article by Frank    No Comments

In the lead up to Easter we will be putting up a new lent devotion each week day. These devotions will also be available in the discussions section of our Facebook page and will be played on New Zealand’s Rhema.

In the famous sermon Jesus gave on a mountain, he put forward what is now known as the Beatitudes, in one of those he said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

The Greek word for peacemakers appears only once in the Bible and it is here. As it is in English, it is a compound word, drawing two words together – peace and maker – someone who makes peace. The Greek word for peace as it is used in the New Testament carries the full weight of the Old Testament Hebrew term, Shalom.

Peace in the Bible is about a lot more than the absence of conflict; it is about wholeness, happiness, good relationships, prosperity, righteousness, fulfillment and so many other wonderful concepts. It is a very full picture of life lived well and humanity embracing God, each other and creation. This Beatitude is saying that those who participate in the creation of this peace will be called children of God, God’s very own.

This Beatitude calls on Christians to become agents of a holistic peace; to engage in restoration and reconciliation – to sit with those who are hurting, feed those who are hungry, stand up for the oppressed, give hope where there is none, bring smiles, guide the lost, share the good news of God’s Kingdom and the story of Jesus… and the list goes on.

When we live this life we are living the heart of God and can rightly be called his children.

As we prepare our hearts for Easter let’s identify places where we can be makers of this holistic peace, both in the small things and the large.

Let’s pray

Jesus, give us eyes to see the places where we can be makers of the peace you desire. Grow in us the character to be that person.

Amen