SUNDAY: February 28, 2021 Lent 2 - Matthew 5:9-12
“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 others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:9-12
Making peace is not a passive activity. Sometimes it requires confrontation when we would personally feel more peaceful if we simply ignored the problem and quietly walked away. Sometimes making peace requires taking a tough stand. Making peace is a pursuit. It is action, not apathy. Sometimes you will suffer for it. Would you rather be liked or respected? How you answer this question leads to the Savior’s announcement –“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”- John 16:10
People can use backward, stupid, gullible, nave, prudish, judgmental, insensitive and cruel words. That kind of behavior quickly brings ridicule. That is not being persecuted. You receive mistreatment because you are insulting and offensive. Are you abusive or promoting harmony? Are you peacemaker or a troublemaker? Are you mistreated because of your need to be right or because you belong to Christ? In this life there will be trouble. The wisdom of Jesus will serve us well. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16 - Choose the words you use – but choose wisely!
They are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith;
The glory of God is theirs.
Blessed are you who suffer hate,
All because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom;
Shine for all to see
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the kingdom of God. [1]
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word, Jesus Christ Your Son; who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [2]
O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [3]
[1] Blessed are
They Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St.
Louis
[2] Collect
for Sunday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[3]
Collect for Lent 2 Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St.
Louis
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