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Blessed Attitudes are Counter-Cultural
We saw last week that the blessed attitudes of Matthew 5:1-8 are counter cultural, not social norms, and when lived they make us stand out.
They are a view of a citizen in the Kingdom of God
People see the kingdom here and now in the way we live our lives
Today we are going to consider the remaining verses in the blessed attitudes turn to Matthew 5:10-12
Are you ready to hear the message God has for us?
Let’s dig in
What “peacemaker” means
This blessed attitude may be among the most difficult to apply and live out.
In our world this can be especially difficult because citizens of the kingdom are to make peace.
The word translated “peacemaker” is only used by Matthew and only appears here in Matthew 5:9.
The sense of the world is a mediator who tries to bring about harmonious relations between two opposing parties.
This sense is further developed by another way of translating the word - one who works for peace.
A person with this attitude then is one who pursues peace, it means walking through conflict in order to come to a place of peace.
Peacemaking is not pacifism, it is an active move toward restoration.
Peacemaking in a violent world
Violence is all over the place right now, its everywhere
How many times a week to hear about shootings, domestic violence, the war in Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine.
Have you ever noticed how quickly violent videos spread through social media?
Gaining millions of hits?
How easy is it to be a peacemaker in this type of world?
Society thinks that peace can be achieved by force
In contrast in the kingdom of God peacemakers work diligently to make peace as a means of restoration and healing.
The world of Jesus day was also a violent world.
The Roman Empire is remembered for its use military might and intimidation.
Crucifixion and other forms of capitol punishment they had down to a science.
The remains of the Colosseum are a reminder of how much the Romans loved violence.
The Colosseum was a place where violence was a sport and entertainment for the people.
People cheering for their favorite gladiator when he killed his opponent
Peacemaking by restoration and healing brings the peace of Christ.
In our world a citizen of the Kingdom of God who lives this out is peculiar!
Being peculiar can lead to persecution
I find it interesting that in a world that talks about and desires peace so much, would look at someone who seeks a way of peace, would be provoked to anger and frustration.
Yet a look at social media, streaming services, movies, and TV shows violent shows are popular.
This shows that society actually prefers conflict and violence over peace.
The animated movie Ferdinand is a great example of anger and persecution directed toward peacemakers.
Ferdinand the bull is devoted to a way of peace, but the other bulls mock him, saying their choices in life are either the bullfighting ring or the chop house.
Ferdinand asks, “What if those aren’t the only two choices?”
The other bulls continue to mock him for his dedication to peacemaking because he refuses to live how they think bulls are supposed to live.
In a culture that glorifies cutthroat and ruthless tactics, those who live toward and create peace are most often outsiders
Conclusion
Peacemaking in verse 9 and righteousness in verse 10 are together for a reason.
Righteousness is doing the right things for the right reasons.
Peacemaking is one way of living righteously in our world.
This is also true for the previous blessed attitudes in the list of Matthew 5:3-8.
We see again the emphasis of Jesus that the kingdom of God stands in contrast to the kingdoms of the world.
Citizens of the kingdom of God look different act different and are sometimes ridiculed for it.
When a society turns violent, ISIS or Russians invading Ukraine, it is the Christians who stay behind.
To help the wounded, feed the hungry, care for the sick, give shelter to the homeless!
We are called to be peacemakers in this world.
The work of peacemaking is not celebrated or applauded.
Instead, this righteousness lived out in the form of peacemaking will very likely be ridiculed.
May we chose the hard path of peculiar righteousness that leads to the heart of the kingdom of heaven.
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