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| Volume 20 Number 11 November 2018 | Page 11 |
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| Volume 20 Number 11 November 2018 | Page 11 |
Cliff Holmes
Bless this building Lord we pray
Keep it safe by night and day.
Let the walls so firm and stout
Keep all strife and trouble out.
Make strong the roof and rafters tall
Let peace and joy reign overall.
Widen the door that it may prove
Always open, to joy and love.
See the windows shining bright
Streaming in God's heavenly light.
Keep the pulpit standing here
Firm amid strong fervent prayer.
Keep those who pray and sing within
Strong and pure and free from sin.
Guide us Lord that we may be
Fit O God to dwell with thee.
Bless us all that one day we
May dwell O Lord! With thee.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Raymond Elliott
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” These are the words of the “Prince of Peace,” Jesus Christ, as found in Matthew 5:9. This beatitude is somewhat different from the rest, such as those who are “poor in spirit,” “those who mourn,” “the meek,” “those who hunger and thirst after righteousness” and “the merciful.” The reason being, the expression, “the peacemakers,” implies an action on the part of the disciples. It is an adjective signifying peace-making. The “peacemaker” is to give “diligence to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesian 4:3). The “peacemaker” has to have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in his heart. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” We are not only to be peaceful, we are to be peacemakers.
Abraham Lincoln said, “Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” Today, we need more people who will proverbially plant flowers and pull up the weeds. There is a great need in our world to have more peacemakers instead of peace-breakers! The Lord knows we have too many peace-breakers in His church, in our communities and in our nation. We live in turbulent times. Everywhere we find hatred, bigotry, prejudice, racism and violence, even existing in our own nation.
It doesn’t take much skill to cause confusion in a family, in the church or in our society. It isn’t easy, however, to be a peacemaker, because you will be most likely criticized from every side. Yet, the peacemaker is one who would rather suffer injury than to inflict injury upon others. He prefers to settle difficulties through prayer rather than through force.
This is the first beatitude that shows blessedness pronounced upon a person, not for some personal quality, grace or virtue, but as a work for the sake and the interest of others, whether of family, the world or the church. “For they shall be called sons of God.” The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:8-11, that if we love life, we should “seek peace and pursue it.” Christians are to “Pursue peace with all people” (Hebrews 12:14). Of course, there is not to be compromise when truth is involved. The question is, “Am I am a peacemaker or a peace-breaker?