Daily Delight Devotional – Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
– Matthew 5:9-12, NKJV
In this final part of our exploration of the Blessed Attitudes (Beatitudes), Jesus presents three more attitudes that characterize those who are truly blessed. These qualities focus more on how we are perceived rather than an outward flow of our virtues. Like those previously discussed, they create a pathway for blessedness.
Our Lord Jesus called Peacemakers, blessed. The resulting reward gives us much insight – they will be called sons of God. As God’s children, we should mirror who our Father is. God sought out man to reconcile him back to Himself. As peacemakers, we should actively seek to reconcile and restore. In conflict situations, our desire should be to bring harmony and promote peace.
Jesus goes on to acknowledge that living righteously can attract persecution. Those who are persecuted for doing what is right and standing for God are blessed because they belong in the kingdom of heaven. This promise assures us that enduring suffering for righteousness aligns us with God’s eternal purposes and brings us into deeper fellowship with Him.
And lastly, we should rejoice when persecuted. Jesus encourages us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when reviled, persecuted, or falsely accused. This response may seem counterintuitive but reflects an understanding of our heavenly reward. Just as with the prophets and saints who faced similar opposition, it is a mark of our faithful witness and a sign that we are walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
These qualities often come with challenges but also bring great rewards and upward spiritual growth.
Insight: The Blessed Attitudes are profound marks of a blessed life that reflects God’s kingdom, His expectations of us, and the reward that awaits us in the near future.
Prayer: Lord, let my life reflect the blessed attitudes drawing others to You.
Daily Bible Reading: II Kings 1 – 4