Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
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Good evening and God bless my brethren. We are literally a few days away from Christmas and how the weather in my neck of the woods is quite chilly, but ever thankful for the blessings of family and friends whom I shall see during this time. I pray that during this time may this devotional encourage you during this holiday season. May we continue thinking about how God sent His only Son to die for sinners like us. Truly may we take every opportunity we have to share the gospel with family, friends and any other person whom the Lord may put along our paths. May we boldly declare this gospel and say as the Apostle Paul said so clearly to the Christians at Rome in that epistle," For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. " For truly we have the best gift to share this holiday season, not a gift card, not a new pair of shoes,but the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto to salvation to everyone who believes.
Tonight I continue in the beatitudes and I must say what a blessing it is to continue expounding this with you my brothers and sisters. For truly these are blessings. Tonight I move on to the seventh of the eight beatitudes the Lord mentions and here He says," Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. " Alright so now let us dig into the text.
First off we have blessed are the peacemakers. For starters as stated in a previous beatitude on blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy we understood that the blessing of not only showing mercy,but first being showed mercy. So the same goes here. By nature we are not peacemakers in fact by nature we are children of wrath( Ephesians 2:3 ). Doesn't sound like the type who is going around making peace with anyone much less with God. Well, I'm sure some may argue and say well John they seem peaceful by its very definition. Now let me take you over to another passage of scripture and then re-examine that thought in light of it," Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ( John 14:27 ) " What I'm saying is this are they truly at peace or temporarily at comfort. For truly a person can seem at peace,but unless reconciled to God, they only have temporary comfort for as it is written those who do not believe the wrath of God abides on him. That doesn't sound peaceful at all in fact quite scary in reality.
So now in light of this think about what the Lord has done for those of us who are blessed to be called these peacemakers. Consider some passages of scripture which show us just how we are reconciled to God through Christ Jesus. That by first being shown peace,by having peace made between us and God through Him we then seek to do so in our very lives. First off let us consider what it says in Romans chapter 5 verses 6 through 11, " For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. " Now I'll take you over to 2 Corinthians 5 verses 19 through 21 where again you will see the Apostle Paul echoing something quite similar," To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Once again you see the point Paul is drawing here is that God reconciles man to himself through the person and work of His son, Jesus Christ. It is Christ whom makes it possible for there to be peace between a man and God. Consider yet another section of scripture," And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.( Colossians 1:20 ) " Truly as I've had the opportunity to tell a youth group of whom I find dear to me I know love and mercy for God showed them both to me first. The same is true of peace. For us whom can say blessed are those who called the peacemakers. Those who have been reconciled by Jesus Christ.
So what exactly does it mean to be a peacemaker. Well, let me expound on that a bit as not to get it confused with what some may think it to be. To be a peacemaker is to not be one who compromises nor one who is weak. I believe when the thought of someone being peaceful they often think of someone who is quiet and reserved,but let us consider a few passages of scripture and see what Holy Writ has to say. First let us start in Jude," Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. ( Jude 1:3 ) " Now right off I'm sure some may ask how does this passage fit in with topic of peace. Well, my friends as I stated a peacemaker is not a person who compromises and us being witnesses for the gospel that surely shouldn't be the case. As Jude most certainly indicates we need to contend for the gospel. Friends to contend to fight for it. This is to defend it and to not give in pressure. Yes we are peacemakers in the sense we share the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,but we must at the same time contend for this gospel and not at all compromise it. Think about what I said earlier, may we boldly declare it as the Apostle Paul said in his epistle to the Christians at Rome,"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) " You may say is it necessary to post that passage again and I say yes. For we need to be reminded that one we need never to be ashamed of this glorious message in which we proclaim to this world and two that it has the power of God unto salvation to all whom believe.
So what are basic applications of this blessing in our life. I find an example in 1 Peter chapter 3 verses 10 and 11," For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." Another words peacemakers, us who have been reconciled to God through Christ Jesus will seek peace in all our relationships. You know it is truly been a blessing to see how men and women alike are much different in their handling with people after Christ comes in their lives changes them and continues changing them. How they handle situations and people in general. I'm by no means saying they are perfect,but when you look at the total picture you see where they do things in such a different way. Even when they make errors and come short watch how when brought under conviction they seek to make peace. Not because they want to look perfect,but truly they want to be more like Christ. They see their imperfection and say with the Apostle Paul I press on.
Now moving on, let us look at what the Lord says in the second half," for they shall be called the children of God." I must say what a blessing it is to be first of all reconciled to God. For in this first beatitude we in some measure covered justification. More than that, those who have been reconciled or made at peace with God are to be called the children of God. This comes about through adoption and what a blessing to be adopted into God's family. First let us go to the gospel of John to examine the depth of the beauty of adoption, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ( John 1:11-13 ) " Let me first off say notice how it says He( Jesus) came unto his own, that being the people of Israel and they received Him not. Sadly the people of Israel for the most part did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Sadly today there are many Jewish people who don't. I don't say this as an attack,but as an honest fact. In fact at the wailing wall there are those praying for their coming Messiah. The fact is He came and He is coming again. Now moving on in those verses even though there were those who didn't receive Him, those who did believe in Him they were given the right to become the sons of God through adoption in Jesus Christ. Think hard on what verse 13 says , "not of blood, nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."Here in the first chapter of John,the Apostle John truly gives and clearly shows the deity of Christ. In this passage I believe we see a point, which in chapter three is shown in much greater detail and that is of regeneration. That is that man does not work with God on this,but this is a supernatural work done by God and by God alone. Think it it talks not of blood, meaning natural birth and then nor of the will of flesh, nor the will of man, thus here driving home the point that this is a work of God in this redemptive process. Consider the words of the prophet Jonah,"But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. ( Jonah 2:9 ) "
So you may say well, so we are called children of God so what were not the children of Israel called this too. Well, let get to this as I do believe it needs to be addressed and understood to some measure. Let me draw two passages from the New Testament which I believe will really help tie things together and I pray will bring clarity and edification to the saints. First let us go to the gospel of Matthew and see what John the Baptist says to the Pharisees and Sadducees, " But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire ( Matthew 3:7-10 ) " Then let us also look at Romans 9 and what the Apostle Paul says to the Christians at Rome," Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.( Romans 9:6-8 ) " The point I'm trying to drive home is not all Israel is Israel just as Paul states another words there were those among them who truly were counted among God's children and others who were Israelites by nationality. When you look at verse eight you really do get a clear understanding for it is the children of promise and not the children of the flesh. Scripture is quite clear in distinguishing two groups. Consider other examples the sheep and the goats, the righteous and the wicked and others. I felt the need to address as we need not think based on parents, family, or friends may we consider ourselves getting in to heaven. For that is exactly what the Pharisees and Sadduccess thought, they figured Abraham was their father so they were getting in on his coat tails so to speak, but the truth is, it doesn't work that way. You must repent and believe on the gospel, for it is Christ and Christ alone whom saves not man. For there is only one name in which you can be saved by and that is Jesus Christ. Sadly they never understood this and continued to get the wicked desires of their hearts. Friends please remember we need not think we have anything based on what family or friends have done,but instead look to Christ alone. For it is His perfect work upon Calvary in which secured our salvation.
My friends I'd like to conclude tonight by saying truly we are blessed to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and may we never forget it. May we instead over this holiday season reflect on the perfect work on Calvary and what Christ did for us. Reflect on what it means to blessed to be a peacemaker and by that blessing know you are called a child of God through adoption. My brethren may I leave you with some passage of scripture to meditate and chew on in reference to tonight's devotional.
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
( Romans 8:14-16 )
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
( Hebrews 12:14 )
"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
( James 3:13-18 )
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Blessed Are The Pure In Heart: For They Shall See God ( Matthew 5:8 )
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
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Good evening and God bless tonight I return back to the beatitudes what a blessing it was on Monday to return to writing after a semi-long hiatus. With school finally done as of last week I have more time and Lord willing I hope to be able to get back this on a more daily basis. Of course in addition to school keeping me from writing everyone knows shortly after writing my last devotional in November my grandmother had past away on Thanksgiving Day. Truly like I have shared with a number of brethren while the lose is tough, I am so thankful for the Lord's comfort that day and continued comfort. Truly we serve a loving and compassionate God. I've seen it not only during this time, but certainly with this being recently it surely does come to mind. Truly it was so beautiful how scripture flooded my mind and such peace overwhelmed me. It's not that I didn't stop loving my grandmother or lost reality,but truly I understood to such a greater depth of what it said in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Truly between the text messages, kind heart felt comments, and prayers it was so humbling. Truly I really got to see a greater depth of how blessed it is to mourn for truly the Lord does comfort. So brethren know this while we will lose those whom we love, know this the Lord is the God of all comfort and will provide comfort in so many ways. Believe me once again this time of year has been rough for me and once again I have only grown closer to God. I am ever thankful to know I serve a most gracious and loving Heavenly Father. Now my brothers and sisters tonight I pray this devotional will both bring glory to God and edify the saints, you my brethren.
Tonight's text continues as I stated from the beatitudes as you there is eight beatitudes or eight blessings. Tonight is the sixth of eight and it reads, " Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Now I must say as a young Christian early on in my walk I would have taken a surface or skimmed answer,but now I want an answer with some meat on it. The reason I say this is too often when people have questions, biblical questions they get what I'd like to call elementary answers. Now granted there are some questions you can answer yes or no, like is Jesus the Son of God yes, but then again I can't stop there for to stop there the person may think we are polytheistic or plainly get confused on the virgin birth. The point is you must give an adequate answer when someone asks a question. Now granted and I've said this before we don't all have to be theologians, but I believe a thorough understanding of basic truths should be understood. If you can't explain the gospel to someone and your a Christian well there is a problem. Think about what 1 Peter 3:15 says," But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" I wonder does that leave any room for having excuses as to not having answers or instead does it call us to have an answer always. So my friends now I plan on giving you some meat on Matthew 5:8. I'm no theologian, but I want this to encourage you of the blessing that it entails and not just give you a shallow answer.
First off our Lord says blessed are the pure in heart. So what exactly is the Lord saying here. Well, let me first refer you to the book of Jeremiah where the prophet Jeremiah deals with the heart and let us see what it says, " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ( Jeremiah 17:9 ) " Alright from this very statement from scripture you see the very condition of our hearts. So this brings me to what must be done about the condition of our heart for obviously a wicked heart will not see God. There are plenty of passages in scriptures that indicate the end of the wicked. So how does one say I'm blessed for I'm pure in heart and I shall see God. Well, let me draw you back to the prophets, to the prophet Ezekiel," And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:19-20)" God isn't saying He is going to physically take out their heart, no instead He will circumcise their once hearts of stones and they instead will be hearts of flesh. Hearts in which His law is written upon it and they will be His people and He will be their God. So yes truly the believer can say they are pure in heart in the degree that circumcision of the heart has occurred by the very work of the Holy Spirit.
To see this illustrated in the NT( new testament ) let me take you over to the book of Hebrews, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ( Hebrews 10:22 ) " Here once again you see that we are by no means perfect,but it shows the condition of the heart,but it deals with faith as well. Notice what it says at the beginning of this verse let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. My friends to group that set of words together," true heart in full assurance of faith" I do believe there is a point being addressed. For look at the following verse,"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ( Hebrews 10:23 )" What I'm saying is notice that the condition of our hearts have been changed so therefore we can place faith in the one whom did the work for He is faithful.
Next I'd like to move to what the Lord says in the second half of the verse," for they shall see God." Now that is most blessed to hear. Think about what Moses experience where he hid behind the rock and caught just a glimpse of the presence of God. For to see the face of God will kill a man. Now let be clear by this by no means am I saying God is a man. God does use anthropomorphism so as to relate and explain things to us. What I am saying that just as He said to Moses for to see my face or His glory would kill him(Moses). Read Exodus 33 and see the beauty of how the rock in which Moses hid behind pointed to Christ the Rock of Ages in which we find our refuge in. Understand this what Christ is stating in this beatitude is the blessing of being found in Him. That those found in Christ are spared from the wrath to come. For they shall see God. Think about a passage in the NT, in which Jesus is speaking to His disciples," Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (John 14:8-11) " My friends to know the Lord is to know the Father for they are of the same substance. Jesus was making this clear to Philip hear that since he knew Jesus then he knew the Father as well. Sad as it may be, people do like to complicate things. Now granted the doctrine of trinity is deep, the fact is to Know God, you need to know His Son. For there is only one way to the Father and that is through the Son, for as it is written," Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ( John 14:6 ) "
So yes the pure in heart will see God. Not based on anything good they have done,but based on the merit and perfect work of Jesus Christ. You know when we think of how blessed it is to say I'm pure in heart not because I'm perfect,but because the Lord has circumsized this once heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh,one with His laws written upon it. It really does bring one to an attitude of gratitude. It humbles and abases a man. Truly how beautiful it is to see the blessing to know God works in your life start to end. It is Him who is the author and finisher of your faith. So you can say as the Apostle Paul said be confident that He who began this work will finish it. My friends truly as we draw nearer to Christmas continue to reflect on how blessed those of us who have trusted in Christ and in Christ alone to save them. May we look to this season as a reminder that in the city of David, in the little town of Bethlehem a Savior was born and His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God. Please take every opportunity that presents itself to share the gospel and take part in the great commission.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Matthew 5:8
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Good evening and God bless tonight I return back to the beatitudes what a blessing it was on Monday to return to writing after a semi-long hiatus. With school finally done as of last week I have more time and Lord willing I hope to be able to get back this on a more daily basis. Of course in addition to school keeping me from writing everyone knows shortly after writing my last devotional in November my grandmother had past away on Thanksgiving Day. Truly like I have shared with a number of brethren while the lose is tough, I am so thankful for the Lord's comfort that day and continued comfort. Truly we serve a loving and compassionate God. I've seen it not only during this time, but certainly with this being recently it surely does come to mind. Truly it was so beautiful how scripture flooded my mind and such peace overwhelmed me. It's not that I didn't stop loving my grandmother or lost reality,but truly I understood to such a greater depth of what it said in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Truly between the text messages, kind heart felt comments, and prayers it was so humbling. Truly I really got to see a greater depth of how blessed it is to mourn for truly the Lord does comfort. So brethren know this while we will lose those whom we love, know this the Lord is the God of all comfort and will provide comfort in so many ways. Believe me once again this time of year has been rough for me and once again I have only grown closer to God. I am ever thankful to know I serve a most gracious and loving Heavenly Father. Now my brothers and sisters tonight I pray this devotional will both bring glory to God and edify the saints, you my brethren.
Tonight's text continues as I stated from the beatitudes as you there is eight beatitudes or eight blessings. Tonight is the sixth of eight and it reads, " Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Now I must say as a young Christian early on in my walk I would have taken a surface or skimmed answer,but now I want an answer with some meat on it. The reason I say this is too often when people have questions, biblical questions they get what I'd like to call elementary answers. Now granted there are some questions you can answer yes or no, like is Jesus the Son of God yes, but then again I can't stop there for to stop there the person may think we are polytheistic or plainly get confused on the virgin birth. The point is you must give an adequate answer when someone asks a question. Now granted and I've said this before we don't all have to be theologians, but I believe a thorough understanding of basic truths should be understood. If you can't explain the gospel to someone and your a Christian well there is a problem. Think about what 1 Peter 3:15 says," But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" I wonder does that leave any room for having excuses as to not having answers or instead does it call us to have an answer always. So my friends now I plan on giving you some meat on Matthew 5:8. I'm no theologian, but I want this to encourage you of the blessing that it entails and not just give you a shallow answer.
First off our Lord says blessed are the pure in heart. So what exactly is the Lord saying here. Well, let me first refer you to the book of Jeremiah where the prophet Jeremiah deals with the heart and let us see what it says, " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ( Jeremiah 17:9 ) " Alright from this very statement from scripture you see the very condition of our hearts. So this brings me to what must be done about the condition of our heart for obviously a wicked heart will not see God. There are plenty of passages in scriptures that indicate the end of the wicked. So how does one say I'm blessed for I'm pure in heart and I shall see God. Well, let me draw you back to the prophets, to the prophet Ezekiel," And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:19-20)" God isn't saying He is going to physically take out their heart, no instead He will circumcise their once hearts of stones and they instead will be hearts of flesh. Hearts in which His law is written upon it and they will be His people and He will be their God. So yes truly the believer can say they are pure in heart in the degree that circumcision of the heart has occurred by the very work of the Holy Spirit.
To see this illustrated in the NT( new testament ) let me take you over to the book of Hebrews, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ( Hebrews 10:22 ) " Here once again you see that we are by no means perfect,but it shows the condition of the heart,but it deals with faith as well. Notice what it says at the beginning of this verse let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. My friends to group that set of words together," true heart in full assurance of faith" I do believe there is a point being addressed. For look at the following verse,"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ( Hebrews 10:23 )" What I'm saying is notice that the condition of our hearts have been changed so therefore we can place faith in the one whom did the work for He is faithful.
Next I'd like to move to what the Lord says in the second half of the verse," for they shall see God." Now that is most blessed to hear. Think about what Moses experience where he hid behind the rock and caught just a glimpse of the presence of God. For to see the face of God will kill a man. Now let be clear by this by no means am I saying God is a man. God does use anthropomorphism so as to relate and explain things to us. What I am saying that just as He said to Moses for to see my face or His glory would kill him(Moses). Read Exodus 33 and see the beauty of how the rock in which Moses hid behind pointed to Christ the Rock of Ages in which we find our refuge in. Understand this what Christ is stating in this beatitude is the blessing of being found in Him. That those found in Christ are spared from the wrath to come. For they shall see God. Think about a passage in the NT, in which Jesus is speaking to His disciples," Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (John 14:8-11) " My friends to know the Lord is to know the Father for they are of the same substance. Jesus was making this clear to Philip hear that since he knew Jesus then he knew the Father as well. Sad as it may be, people do like to complicate things. Now granted the doctrine of trinity is deep, the fact is to Know God, you need to know His Son. For there is only one way to the Father and that is through the Son, for as it is written," Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ( John 14:6 ) "
So yes the pure in heart will see God. Not based on anything good they have done,but based on the merit and perfect work of Jesus Christ. You know when we think of how blessed it is to say I'm pure in heart not because I'm perfect,but because the Lord has circumsized this once heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh,one with His laws written upon it. It really does bring one to an attitude of gratitude. It humbles and abases a man. Truly how beautiful it is to see the blessing to know God works in your life start to end. It is Him who is the author and finisher of your faith. So you can say as the Apostle Paul said be confident that He who began this work will finish it. My friends truly as we draw nearer to Christmas continue to reflect on how blessed those of us who have trusted in Christ and in Christ alone to save them. May we look to this season as a reminder that in the city of David, in the little town of Bethlehem a Savior was born and His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God. Please take every opportunity that presents itself to share the gospel and take part in the great commission.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, December 14, 2009
Blessed Are The Merciful ( Matthew 5:7 )
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
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It seems so long since I've written on here as far as it comes to a devotional and how I've missed it. For me how the joy I find in sharing the Word of God. For in it there is such richness, for truly there is hope. You know I remember back during the presidential campaign last year how so many thought vote for this man and there we have our hope, but what sadden my heart is so many placed their hope in someone who truly could not fulfill the greatest problem in their life, that being sin. Men and women search for truth yet they seek so many venues and outlets when there is but one source of truth and that is Jesus Christ, son of God. As it is written, " Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ( John 14:6 ) " This isn't poetry it is the very truth, the truth in which will set you free. Brothers and sisters may we this holiday season take any and every opportunity we have to share the gospel with those who don't know the Lord. May you be willing to share with them a gift that has a value of infinite worth when you share the gospel. Tonight my brethren please may this devotional bring you encouragement and joy as I continue back in the beatitudes. How fitting I find to still be in the beatitudes for truly it is blessed to be born again(John 3:3-8 ), to pass from death unto life( John 5:24 ) and truly be a new creation in Christ( 1 Corinthians 5:17 ). Now moving right along in to passage for tonight.
Continuing with the beatitudes Jesus says blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Truly something to really sink your teeth in and digest. Here the Lord is talking of how blessed we, believers are to be merciful. I ask you this, in today's society does this come off what top notch quality employers are looking for? Now some may say John well, I think they do, I mean after all they don't want unmerciful people working for them. Of course I beg to differ in the sense they may not say it,but it is sadly what they promote. Think about the corporate mentally and how it is to get to the top in most companies. Instead of showing mercy in most cases it is look out for number one and if there is time take care of someone else. Of course I don't really see that as mercy,but as a way to boast oneself standing and move up. The point is once again man will try to see any form of good they do as merciful. The problem is very often any mercy they shows and I mean "any" has an ulterior motive. Some may say at this point John you sound as if no one is good at all. No my point is to show a contrast between the natural man and a true believer. So you ask where is an example of someone showing mercy, true mercy without a motive well, let me draw you to Holy Writ to a familiar parable, The Good Samaritan( Luke 10:25-37 ). Truly we see mercy displayed as he cared for this man. He didn't seek to gain anything from it,but saw his neighbor in need and showed mercy.
So seeing as I gave in some measure two contrasting examples of mercy now let's define it just to be sure we understand it. By definition mercy is : That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being. ( http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/search/word,mercy) As you can see from this definition mercy not only is displayed so well in the parable of the Good Samaritan, but it is an attribute of God. For truly we serve a most merciful God. Think about the very attributes God revealed to Moses,"And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ( Exodus 34:6 )" So yes truly God is most certainly merciful and this is just Him revealing this characteristic audibly for He has shown His mercy since the beginning from not immediately killing mankind after the fall, sparing Noah and his family, to protecting the covenant when Abram err and there are other examples you can see in scripture before the account in Exodus. Truly we are blessed to serve a gracious and merciful God.
Think about what the Lord says in this beatitude, blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. The reason we as Christian know how to show such mercy is because of the mercy we have and continue to see from the Lord. First and foremost the mercy He has shown us in saving us from the wrath to come. That alone should bring forth praises from our lips knowing that we deserved justice and we received mercy through Christ Jesus our Lord. Truly it is most humbling and truly brings the true believer day by day an attitude of gratitude for being saved and receiving such mercy from a loving and merciful Heavenly Father. Not only this,but I think about what the prophet Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations, " This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (Lamentations 3:21-24 ) " Truly we believers see His mercy daily. Once again I encourage my brethren that is in the scriptures we find hope and not looking to princes or men for men fail. Instead seek the truth and find your rest in God.
You know when I was thinking of this verse tonight I remember talking with a youth group whom I see often still and am close to. I shared with this and I believe I've said this a few times, in how I know love and mercy, is that God has shown them to me. Truly my friends the mercy in which I am blessed to show to others both for the physical well-being and their eternal well-being comes first out the fact I have been shown mercy. Truly the love I seek to show and when I say seek to show, I seek to be more and more like Christ in when I love. For I know as a human I make errors,but I will not let this get me down or say I'm not perfect instead I'm encourage by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, I'm pressing on. This brother is pressing on to the mark of high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I'm not perfect and I know it, but instead I seek to honor God in all that I do. I do not live a life of trying to earn God's love for I do not need to nor have to,but instead seek to please Him out of loving obedience. Think about the words of our Lord and Savior," If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15 ) " As you can see in showing mercy we truly do live this out. Think about the commandments and you will see what I mean. It really is amazing how the law becomes our delight as we have been freed from the curse of the law by Jesus so no longer do we see it a burden,but a joy to seek to please the Father. Brothers and sisters I pray this has been most edifying and encouraging. May you show mercy to others just as you have been shown mercy. Let me leave you with some passages of scripture to consider and please do really mediate on these in light of this beatitude. Truly see the blessing of how we have been shown such mercy and show mercy to others.
"With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;"
( Psalm 18:25 )
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
( Matthew 6:14-15 )
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
( Colossians 3:12-13 )
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
( Ephesians 4:31-32 )
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Matthew 5:7
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It seems so long since I've written on here as far as it comes to a devotional and how I've missed it. For me how the joy I find in sharing the Word of God. For in it there is such richness, for truly there is hope. You know I remember back during the presidential campaign last year how so many thought vote for this man and there we have our hope, but what sadden my heart is so many placed their hope in someone who truly could not fulfill the greatest problem in their life, that being sin. Men and women search for truth yet they seek so many venues and outlets when there is but one source of truth and that is Jesus Christ, son of God. As it is written, " Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ( John 14:6 ) " This isn't poetry it is the very truth, the truth in which will set you free. Brothers and sisters may we this holiday season take any and every opportunity we have to share the gospel with those who don't know the Lord. May you be willing to share with them a gift that has a value of infinite worth when you share the gospel. Tonight my brethren please may this devotional bring you encouragement and joy as I continue back in the beatitudes. How fitting I find to still be in the beatitudes for truly it is blessed to be born again(John 3:3-8 ), to pass from death unto life( John 5:24 ) and truly be a new creation in Christ( 1 Corinthians 5:17 ). Now moving right along in to passage for tonight.
Continuing with the beatitudes Jesus says blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Truly something to really sink your teeth in and digest. Here the Lord is talking of how blessed we, believers are to be merciful. I ask you this, in today's society does this come off what top notch quality employers are looking for? Now some may say John well, I think they do, I mean after all they don't want unmerciful people working for them. Of course I beg to differ in the sense they may not say it,but it is sadly what they promote. Think about the corporate mentally and how it is to get to the top in most companies. Instead of showing mercy in most cases it is look out for number one and if there is time take care of someone else. Of course I don't really see that as mercy,but as a way to boast oneself standing and move up. The point is once again man will try to see any form of good they do as merciful. The problem is very often any mercy they shows and I mean "any" has an ulterior motive. Some may say at this point John you sound as if no one is good at all. No my point is to show a contrast between the natural man and a true believer. So you ask where is an example of someone showing mercy, true mercy without a motive well, let me draw you to Holy Writ to a familiar parable, The Good Samaritan( Luke 10:25-37 ). Truly we see mercy displayed as he cared for this man. He didn't seek to gain anything from it,but saw his neighbor in need and showed mercy.
So seeing as I gave in some measure two contrasting examples of mercy now let's define it just to be sure we understand it. By definition mercy is : That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being. ( http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/search/word,mercy) As you can see from this definition mercy not only is displayed so well in the parable of the Good Samaritan, but it is an attribute of God. For truly we serve a most merciful God. Think about the very attributes God revealed to Moses,"And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ( Exodus 34:6 )" So yes truly God is most certainly merciful and this is just Him revealing this characteristic audibly for He has shown His mercy since the beginning from not immediately killing mankind after the fall, sparing Noah and his family, to protecting the covenant when Abram err and there are other examples you can see in scripture before the account in Exodus. Truly we are blessed to serve a gracious and merciful God.
Think about what the Lord says in this beatitude, blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. The reason we as Christian know how to show such mercy is because of the mercy we have and continue to see from the Lord. First and foremost the mercy He has shown us in saving us from the wrath to come. That alone should bring forth praises from our lips knowing that we deserved justice and we received mercy through Christ Jesus our Lord. Truly it is most humbling and truly brings the true believer day by day an attitude of gratitude for being saved and receiving such mercy from a loving and merciful Heavenly Father. Not only this,but I think about what the prophet Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations, " This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (Lamentations 3:21-24 ) " Truly we believers see His mercy daily. Once again I encourage my brethren that is in the scriptures we find hope and not looking to princes or men for men fail. Instead seek the truth and find your rest in God.
You know when I was thinking of this verse tonight I remember talking with a youth group whom I see often still and am close to. I shared with this and I believe I've said this a few times, in how I know love and mercy, is that God has shown them to me. Truly my friends the mercy in which I am blessed to show to others both for the physical well-being and their eternal well-being comes first out the fact I have been shown mercy. Truly the love I seek to show and when I say seek to show, I seek to be more and more like Christ in when I love. For I know as a human I make errors,but I will not let this get me down or say I'm not perfect instead I'm encourage by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, I'm pressing on. This brother is pressing on to the mark of high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I'm not perfect and I know it, but instead I seek to honor God in all that I do. I do not live a life of trying to earn God's love for I do not need to nor have to,but instead seek to please Him out of loving obedience. Think about the words of our Lord and Savior," If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15 ) " As you can see in showing mercy we truly do live this out. Think about the commandments and you will see what I mean. It really is amazing how the law becomes our delight as we have been freed from the curse of the law by Jesus so no longer do we see it a burden,but a joy to seek to please the Father. Brothers and sisters I pray this has been most edifying and encouraging. May you show mercy to others just as you have been shown mercy. Let me leave you with some passages of scripture to consider and please do really mediate on these in light of this beatitude. Truly see the blessing of how we have been shown such mercy and show mercy to others.
"With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;"
( Psalm 18:25 )
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
( Matthew 6:14-15 )
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
( Colossians 3:12-13 )
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
( Ephesians 4:31-32 )
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
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