Honored

Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Prop: picture of house and family

We’re almost done with our series of lessons on the beatitudes.  So I have a question that you should know the answer to by now.  What does the word “beatitudes” mean?  (Allow for response).  “Beatitudes” is just a fancy word for “blessings.”  Jesus taught us how we can be blessed by God.  If you obey Jesus’ teachings, you will be blessed by God.  Through the past few weeks, we’ve told you that to be blessed means to be rewarded, to be given what you don’t deserve, to be given more than you could dream of, to be fully satisfied, to be shown mercy, and to be privileged.  WOW!  Is there anyone who wouldn’t want all of that? 

There’s another blessing we will learn about today.  Jesus promised that if you are a peacemaker, you will be given a place of honor in God’s family as His child.  If you think about that, it means you have a place in God’s home.  You get to live with Him forever.  And it also means that as His child, everything He has belongs to you.  All His power, all His riches, all His blessings belong to you!  Remember, though, that these things are promised to those who bring peace. 

As you listen to today’s lesson, think about ways you can bring peace into your family, your friendships and into the lives of others.