"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. " - Matthew 5:9
I've noticed that I am becoming my father and my children are becoming me. I believe it is and always has been this way. Little things that are so familiar between a child and his/her parent becoming a part of their personality and characteristics. Some of these are good and some of these aren't so good, but they are all an example of lessons learned through a lifelong relationship with someone you love. I even noticed it in my 3 1/2 year old Emma Noel. I recall one time, I was standing by the wall talking with a friend when she walked over and leaned against the wall with the exact same mannerisms. It was somewhat funny to watch her fold her arms, cross her one leg over the other and lean against the wall, listening to the stories shared between friends about politics, weather and the general state of life. She nodded her head when I did and shifted her balance just so, as I did. I'm sure you have similar stories of your children or you becoming like your parents. Feel free to share them in the comments or email, it's always fascinating to hear.
So, how do we become more Godlike? Jesus Christ was God incarnate (God in human form, embodied in flesh). We discover that by following the teachings of Jesus Christ we can discover just who God is and thereby strengthen who we are in Him. Jesus personified peace, love, justice, forgiveness and righteousness while walking upon this earth. The Jewish people at the time were living in fear of Rome and had been waiting for Messiah to come and break their bondage. What they were expecting was an earthly King. Stately in posture, presence and demeanor. Powerful enough to overthrow Rome, and take leadership in the Hebrew nation. Their desires were based on their knowledge, their history and who they had seen rise to the top in the past - Saul, David, Solomon to name a few.
A son of any man in those days carried forth the legacy of the family. The wisdom passed on from generation to generation from the father's teaching would establish the strength in which the son would live out his life. It was expected that the son would follow in his father's footsteps with resepect to their trade or craft. So here we find Jesus, the son of Joseph the carpenter, sitting upon a hill telling those who would listen what it takes to be a son of God. Where are his credentials, what gives him the audacity to claim this knowledge and talk about it in public. Some were amazed at his wisdom. He spoke of things they had never heard before. None of his teachings were in the old text's, yet he spoke as if they were common knowledge for all. He spoke of meek, purity, hungry, merciful and now peacemakers? He couldn't be the coming King - the Messiah - for these characteristics are very counter intuitive to their expectations.
In hindsight of course we know that He indeed was a son of God, so who better to lay out the requirements and characteristics. But, what does it mean to be a peacemaker? Someone who is living in, breathing and creating a peaceful existance for themselves and those around them. Of all of the people in the world today and those that have walked the earth for the last few thousands years, they have always been seeking peace. Wars, violence and death have been the formidible foe since the early days recorded in Genesis, right up through the angry mobs in Jerusalem screaming, "Crucify Him~ Crucify Him." Man has sought peace from these acts of war and violence throughout history. Similarly, man has sought and waited upon God throughout history. Here we find Peace and "...called sons of God." lumped together. This one verse has likely became a staple in cultures, believers and non-believers alike. This leads to the real question, "Are we seeking peace from society, the world, or our own inner struggles?"
Jesus Christ walked the earth for 32 years and ministered for just over 2 years. In that 2 year period He took men and women and taught them very intimately how to become followers and apostles of the one true God. With first hand guidance and experience He showered them with love and peace, such that they in turn would carry forward after His death and resurrection these traits. Just like you and I have learned by following our parents throughout our life, the intimacy between this group of disciples over that 2 years would have seemed like a lifetime to most. They learned and carried forward his teachings, and it has continued through to this very day where nearly every person in the world would agree that we need to discover peace in the world. Just as Jesus showed them how in those days we need to walk, and breath in His commandments today such that it becomes blatantly evidenced to whom we belong. The evidence will be such that others will see God through you as you follow this man - Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment