Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 109:16-20
Ps 109:16-20
16 For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. 17 He loved to pronounce a curse--may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing--may it be far from him. 18 He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil. 19 May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. 20 May this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me.
Matt 5:9-12
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
From these sayings of how to be happy, Jesus goes into a series of “You have heard it was said….. but I tell you…” In each of these he is saying that the law (or the common interpretation of the law) taught them to retaliate and to get even with anyone who wronged them. He then said we should go beyond treating others how they treat us and instead treat them like we would want to be treated. This “golden rule” should guide us in all of our relationships.
One of the things that stands out in the New Testament teaching is that we are to seek peace and we are to be peace makers. Paul tells us that we are to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. God makes all of his children one in Jesus Christ and we are to work at keeping us one. As Jesus said regarding marriage: “what man has joined together, let no one put apart.”
When we are at peace with God we can be at peace with ourselves. The only peace we can have with God is when our sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus. It is then that we can be at peace with others because we in turn forgive all who have done us wrong. In this way we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.
O God of peace, I come to you in the name of the Prince of Peace asking that you instill in me a pure heart, a forgiving spirit and a love for all mankind. Even as you love me, help me love others so I can have compassion as you have compassion on me. Thank you for all you provide to me and to all who love you. Use me to teach your word in simplicity but always in truth. Give me wisdom to apply it so my example will be what it should be. I ask your blessings on those who are sick and suffering in so many ways. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
