Blessed are the Peacemakers

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9

What is a peacemaker?

Is it a person with a calming demeanor?  Someone who's agreeable and doesn't make waves?  Is it someone who's concilliatory?  Jesus wasn't necessarily agreeable or concilliatory.

Just what exactly is Jesus saying to us in this seemingly simple verse?

First, it is rather significant that this is the only place in the Holy Bible we find the word εἰρηνοποιός, translated as "peacemaker."  The Discovery Bible defines this word as someone who, "bravely declares God's terms which makes someone whole."  

Wow.

That's completely different than what the average person on the street would consider the word "peacemaker" to mean.  Think about it.  Being like Christ and following His terms is the only way anyone could ever experience true peace and wholeness in body, mind, soul, and spirit.  And, His Word choice is never timid.

We have a tendency to define Scripture in light of what the culture around us might think or how they might behave, while God's ways stand in stark contrast to the ways of the world around us.  He completely transforms the way we think and view everything.

EVERYTHING.

Scripture lovingly admonishes us in Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

If we are to bravely declare God's terms, then we must first learn what those terms are, and we can only learn what they are by studying Scripture.

I don't know about you, but I want to be called a child of God.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Goodnight, Runners.