Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

International Day of Peace: Rise Children of God

Matthew 5:9


Robin Varughese

Epiphany MTC, NY
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.


“The Beatitudes” serves as a crucial part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Many of times we read through this passage, recite it whenever prompted, but forget the true meaning of His Words. A beatitude ascribes praise to character that is then divinely rewarded. In verse 9,  “peacemakers” will be called “children of God”. A peacemaker isn’t only one who ceases war and chaos, but also one who finds a way to spread the Kingdom of God on earth- granting an eternal peace that no war can disturb. Along with this character is the promise of being called “children of God”, but wait! Aren’t we all “children of God”? Of course, but the imagery of being called a “child of God” further emphasizes the greater relationship and connection formed with God, as do everyone who constantly work towards advancing the Kingdom.
 
So what now? How does a verse spoken close to 2,000 years ago have any relevance in my life today? Well, it all boils down to semantics. A true “peacemaker” is one who understands what true peace is- and to hold onto peace for oneself serves no use to the community at large, where chaos and brokenness courses our society’s veins. We are called for something greater than ourselves- to spread this peace, this Kingdom of God, to corners of the earth that have yet to hear it. As singer/songwriter Matthew West and our NERYF put it, it’s time for all of us to “do something” for a change, it’s time to rise and claim our rightful place as “children of God”!  

Prayer: Father God, we thank You for the countless blessings you've provided us in our lives. We ask that You use us for Your Glory- to spread the Good News to those who haven’t heard it, and to be patient for those who refuse it. We ask for boldness to proclaim Your Word fearlessly and comfort for when we are spiritually weary. Continue to walk with us daily, Father, in Your Precious Name. Amen.


Thought for the day: How can we rise up to the challenge of being a “peacemaker” in our daily lives?

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more