As we studied the Beatitudes in Matt. 5, we noticed the following –
How faith begins – ROOTS = Poor in spirit; Mourning; Meekness
How faith grows – Hunger and thirst after RIGHTEOUSNESS
How faith matures and bears FRUIT – Mercy, Purity, Peace.
Today we’ll consider PEACE.
James 3:17 expresses, ”The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable.” Purity of heart produces peace. THAT is also the order we have in the Beatitudes – Matt.5:8 + 9. – First ”Blessed are the pure in heart,” then ”Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Phil. 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Pure peace, given from Father God, guards us and keeps us safe when we surrender totally to Jesus.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace, and we can trust Him! Isaiah 26:2 states, “You will keep in PERFECT PEACE those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” I think we ALL long for that perfect peace, a peace that does not get anxious even during difficult trials. It is a peace that we often do not comprehend because it is heavenly, pure, and genuine.
King David wrote in Psalm 3:5 – “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains [upholds, supports] me.” We can sleep in peace when we remember that the Lord is always awake, protecting us. When we have divine peace, we become peacemakers who radiate Christ’s presence and peace everywhere we go. Christ-filled peace produces more peace. When we ourselves have peace, we can live in peace with others. James 3:18 declares; “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” These beatitudes [attitudes in how we live] are all tied together.
When you “think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy…” and “put them into practice, then “the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8, 9b)
Blessed Abba Father, thank You that as the God of peace, You sanctify us + set us apart for holiness (1 Thess. 5:23). Help me to be a vessel of peace through whom Your pure peace flows. Thank You that You are a God of hope who fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in You, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Rom. 15:13] We adore and worship You, our beautiful Prince of peace and glory. Amen
Myrtle Turunen