A Kingdom for the Peacemakers
For Meditation (corey Widmer)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
In English, the word peace usually refers to one of two things. First, when we say peace, we might be talking about inner tranquility, peace of mind. A second way we often use the word peace is to refer to an outward state, the absence of war or conflict. Biblical peace isn’t less than either of these, but the biblical word for peace—shalom—has a much richer, more comprehensive meaning. Shalom is a way of talking about personal and communal well being in every direction and in every relationship. The kind of peace that Jesus is talking about here is about human flourishing in every aspect of life. Comprehensive wellbeing.
So Jesus blesses the peace-makers. Not the peaceful. But those who work to make peace. He blesses those who go into places of conflict, places where there is fragmentation and brokenness, and work actively to create shalom. He says when people do this, they will be called children of God- because they resemble God. Our God is a God who makes peace- ultimately through the death and resurrection of Jesus. And when we seek to make peace in our relationships and in the world, we are God's children, we bear a family resemblance to our Father.
As you prepare for worship this week, consider the following:
Where do you see places in your life, your family, your city, and your world where peace is absent?
In the places that came to mind, what would it mean for you to be a peace-maker?
What cost or burden would this bring into your life? Is it worth it? How could you be motivated to be a peace-maker in this way?
Matthew 5:1–9
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.