The Beatitudes begin a section in the gospel of Matthew called "The Sermon on the Mount." The Beatitudes speak about the nature of a person who would presume to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. John 1:12 states, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God… Through a relationship with Christ, we inherit certain rights. The Beatitudes give us a description of what a person looks like when he or she lives up to those rights.
Specifically, we are thinking about the seventh Beatitude on the list, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Historically, I have usually looked at this verse in terms of what a peacemaker does, but today I want us to consider what a peacemaker is. What makes a peacemaker?
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John I like the way you explain the way we possess peace as being a part of our DNA. Peace becomes a part of those who's lives possess a personal relationship with Christ. We resemble him just as any child bears a resemblence to their birth parents.
Hal Brady's story about the rancher who gave lambs to the owner of the dogs who were killing his sheep expresses so clearly the principle of creativity needed in peace making. That one illustration made the sermon for me. It demonstates that there are options to conflict if we take the time to look for them.
I also like the way you tied our decision to be peaceful people to the default setting on the computer. In doing so you ensure that everytime the audience encouters a message asking about a default setting that they will remember that making peace is a conscious decision. At least I will.
You have said a lot in a really concise bit of writing. Of course, that's your gift not mine.
I think I can predict with some accuracy that my congregation would consider a two and a quarter page sermon one of the best they ever heard me preach.
Posted by: Craig | August 02, 2005 at 10:19 AM