Devo for 09/06/2024 service- Message by Pastor Clint Sprague

This past weekend's message focused once again on the Sermon on the Mount.  Specifically, in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”  A few weeks ago, I pointed out that the Beatitudes offer a blessing and a reward for our obedience.  If we live a life actively pursuing a lifestyle of being a peacemaker, we get blessed and are called Sons of God!  We serve a good God!

In his message, Pastor Clint said, “Peacemakers are peace-filled and peace-focused.”  In other words, we have to have peace if we are going to be peacemakers.  He also defined a peacemaker as “someone who is actively working toward wholeness and well-being for all.”  Taking that definition, I encourage all of us to look inward and ask ourselves: “Am I choosing to actively work towards wholeness and well-being for all?”

This can be hard to do, especially in tough circumstances like ones that instill fear in us or where we feel we have been wronged.  Our natural (fleshly) response is defensive, protective, or reactive.  So, how do we learn to respond in peace?  We can look to Moses and how he demonstrated this for us in the book of Exodus.

Exodus 14 tells us how Pharoah, the King of Egypt, changed his mind about letting the Israelites go and decided to pursue them. Upon seeing the pursuing chariots, the Israelites shook in fear and cried out to the Lord (which was the right thing to do).  However, the words they said to Moses showed how little faith they had: “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” (Exodus 14:11)  Somewhat sarcastic but not very helpful in the situation!

Moses realized this and responded as a peacemaker, speaking words filled with faith and hope.  

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.  The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14

Moses actively responded in a way that would restore wholeness and well-being for God’s people.  He encouraged them to stop and stand still, encouraged them to give God room to be God, and encouraged them to have peace in the situation.  Moses was peace-filled and peace-focused.  He got this way because he believed God’s promises and had faith He would do what He said he would do.

As men of God, we are called to be leaders in the home and leaders in the church. Have you thought much about your role as a peacemaker?  Are you peace-filled and peace-focused?   We know that life can be challenging, and we will face trials. Actively pursuing the role of a peacemaker will make things much easier as we cooperate with God as He walks with us through our trials and tribulations!  On top of that, our work as a peacemaker will fulfill the charge of Matthew 5:16!

Don’t forget to invite God into your day!

John 14:27

2 Thessalonians 3:16

John 16:33

Matthew 5:16