THE BEATITUDES:
Blessed Are The Peacemakers
Those who satisfy the hunger and thirst for righteousness will have certain attributes shine forth in their lives. In the past few weeks, we've considered the need for mercy and purity. This week, we look at a third characteristic needed among those who have come to the Lord.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
As we might expect, a peacemaker is one who creates peace. But, we might inquire about the circumstances of peace. Who is involved? What was the contention? What are the conditions of peace?
There are two general areas which require peace. We must establish peace with God and also with our fellow man. Of the first, Paul wrote:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Peace with God - what a wonderful blessing! We had made ourselves enemies of God through sin (Colossians 1:21; cf. Isaiah 59:1-2). Our due reward, according to our works, was death - separation from the Lord (Romans 3:23; 6:23; cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Through obedience to the "gospel of peace" (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15), we have been forgiven our trespasses (Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7), and reconciled to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18). No longer enemies, but now children, we have peace with God.
In addition to reconciling individuals to God, the gospel has served to create peace among people. Paul revealed of Christ that
...He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace... (Ephesians 2:14-15)
The peace described here is between Christians, regardless of race, social status, or gender (Galatians 3:28). It is the fruition of Isaiah's prophecy:
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)
Brethren are expected to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Paul admonishes the Christian to
“We must establish peace with God and also with our fellow man.”
...pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
But not only do we need to pursue peace with our brethren, but the Scriptures command us to be at peace with all men.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
And again,
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)
We must embrace and fulfill this high calling as peacemakers in the world. It requires that we be humble, not seeking our own interest or vengeance for ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:19). We must seek to first make peace between ourselves and the Lord, through obedience to His will and reliance upon His mercy, but then also make peace between ourselves and our fellow man, and between our fellow man and the Lord.
The blessing pronounced upon the peacemakers is that they are called the children of God. We serve "the God of peace" (Romans 15:33; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). When we actively pursue peace with God and man, we are imitating this wonderful attribute of God.
Those who have become peacemakers have been adopted by the Father (Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4:6). John understood what a great blessing this was, as he wrote:
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1a)
Friend, let us be peacemakers. It will display our upright character in Christ Jesus. It will confirm our identity as the people of God. It will result in fruit to the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18)
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Answering The Atheist
Complaint:
From what were the animals created, water (Genesis 1:20) or ground (Genesis 2:19)? Is there a contradiction?
Response:
Genesis 1:20 reveals God's proclamation on DAY 5 of creation, the day on which water life and birds were created. It would seem that the questioner has focussed upon the word "creatures" in the text, and assumed that this speaks of animals. It does not. God commanded that the waters abound with living creatures - water creatures (ie. fish, eels, turtles, stringrays, jellyfish, etc, etc.).
The animals were created on DAY 6. In Genesis 1:24, we read,
Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind'; and it was so.
These are two separate days, speaking about different creatures being created. Day 5, water creatures; day 6, land creatures.
When we come to Genesis 2:19, we read:
Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam...
These creatures, like those mentioned in Genesis 1:24 (not Genesis 1:20), are land creatures.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible.