A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS  

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” 

The perfect “peace maker” is Jesus. He came to earth to make peace between God and man. St. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1 “. . . having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .” Jesus made this peace through shedding His blood on Calvary’s cross. (Colossians 1:20)   

“ . . . God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ (has given) us the ministry of reconciliation . . .” (2 Corinthians 5:18) Jesus gave this reconciling mission first to the disciples He personally chose and sent out among the people of Israel. He said to them, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)  

There are Christian congregations that incorporate the giving the peace during their weekly worship service. The purpose of giving or sharing of the peace is to signify the unity of the body, which is expressed not just in a single gesture on a Sunday morning, but in ongoing mutual love and support for one another, standing in solidarity with one another, and bearing the burdens and joys of one another. The sharing of the peace is done after the consecration of the bread and wine in the Holy Communion liturgy. Sharing the peace with one another at that point in the service indicates that everyone present has confessed their sins, received the words of absolution, confessed the unity of their belief in speaking the Creed of the day and acknowledging there is nothing that is separating them from the love of God in Christ Jesus and loving one another.   

St. Peter’s opening words of his first Epistle speak of the fact God has chosen you to be His grace and peace in this world. “To God’s elect . . . who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:1-2)  Prayer: As you, O Lord, have filled me with Your peace so use me to share it with all with whom I come in contact that they know the peace that is theirs through being washed in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, their Lord. In His holy name. Amen. 

Church of God, elect and glorious, Holy nation, chosen race;  
Called as Gods’ own special people,   
Royal priests and heirs of grace; Know the purpose of your calling  
Should to all His mighty deeds; Tell of love that knows no limits,  
Grace that meets all human needs. 

God has called you out of darkness Into His most marv’lous light;  
Brought His truth to life within you,   
Turned your blindness into sight.Let your light so shine around you  
That God’s name is glorified And all find fresh hope and purpose  
In Christ Jesus crucified. 

Once you were an alien people, Strangers in God’s heart of love;  
But He brought you home in mercy, Citizens of heaven above.  
Let His love flow out to others, Let them feel a Father’s care;  
That they too may know His welcome And His countless blessings share. 

Church of God, elect and holy, Be the people He intends;  
Strong in faith and swift to answer   
Each command your Master sends: Royal priests, fulfill your calling  
Through your sacrifice and prayer; Give your lives in joyful service-  
Sing His praise, His love declare.  (LSB 646)