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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 8, NUMBER 1, JANUARY 6, 2008 “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS” The seventh of the Beatitudes that Jesus presented in the magnificent Sermon on the Mount was “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” I recall sitting at the feet of a Gospel preacher listening to him present a sermon about the Beatitudes. When he began to explain this particular one, he told of an event that took place when he was a child in grade school. In his Bible class they had been talking about the Beatitudes, and the idea of a peacemaker just intrigued him. During recess one day at school, he saw two boys fighting on the playground. Thinking that this was his opportunity to be a “peacemaker”, he stepped between the boys in an effort to stop their fighting. He said that both of the boys then turned their attention to him instead and gave him a good whipping. At that point he began to realize that perhaps he did not understand what Jesus meant. Jesus was not talking about a diplomat who negotiates agreements between countries. He was not talking about a judge or arbiter who settles disputes and disagreements among men. He was talking about peacemakers who preach the gospel of peace and show the world the way back to God. When a man sins he separates himself from God. In Isaiah 59:1-2 we read, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” There is a need for restoration to take place. That is the function of the peacemaker. He preaches and teaches the gospel of peace and thereby helps to reconcile the sinner to God. In Ephesians 2:16-17 Paul wrote, “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” Those who spread the good news of the peace that Jesus made available through His death are peacemakers – makers of peace between God and man. Romans 10:14-15 states, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” All who proclaim the gospel of peace, all who make known to others the possibility of reconciliation to God and the restoration of peace, are the peacemakers. This includes everyone who teaches someone the gospel of Christ. These shall be called “the children of God.” Are you a peacemaker? Greg Litmer “BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE” The eighth and final Beatitude of the Sermon on the Mount given by the Lord was “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for there is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:11 ). It is a foolish thing to believe that being a faithful child of God is always going to be an easy thing. In fact, the Bible assures us that that will not be the case. In 2 Timothy 3:12 Paul stated this truth so simply. He wrote, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” All who commit to standing firmly upon the Word of God and the spiritual and moral truths it contains will find themselves subject to abuse. As we move on in Matthew 5 and look at verse 11, we find that the persecution will take many different forms. It will not always be some sort of corporeal abuse. It can, and often does, take the form of verbal abuse. The verse says, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Why should we expect it to be any different, when we consider the treatment our Lord received even as he hung on the cross? Having already endured the incredible physical abuse of the scourging, and in the midst of the horrendous pain of the crucifixion itself, we find in Matthew 27:39-44, “And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and the elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” As we look at verse 12 of Matthew 5 we find, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Satan has always done his best to intimidate and silence the voices of those who proclaim the word of God. I am reminded of Jesus looking over the city of Jerusalem and saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” So be brave when persecution of any form comes upon you because you are a faithful child of God. Know that you are not alone and that many men and women of God who have gone before have suffered greatly for their faith. Indeed, rejoice and be glad; not because being persecuted is enjoyable or feels good, but because it is frequently a step in the path that leads to heaven. Surely, no matter what, heaven will be worth it all. Greg Litmer
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