March 17, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." — Matthew 5:9 · KJV

This is the seventh of the beatitudes, and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Savior placed the peacemaker seventh on the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can be enjoyed on earth, must reach this seventh benediction and become a peacemaker. There is a significance, too, in the position of the text. The verse before it speaks of the blessedness of "the pure in heart, for they shall see God." It is well to understand that we are to be "first pure, then peaceable." Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or a toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flint against everything contrary to God and His holiness; purity being settled in our souls, we can go on to peaceableness. No less does the verse that follows seem placed there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood — and no wonder, for even the Prince of Peace, by His very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He Himself, though He loved mankind and did no wrong, was "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Therefore, lest the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with enemies, it is added in the next verse, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Thus the peacemakers are not only pronounced blessed, but are compassed about with blessings. Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds, that we may be "first pure, then peaceable"; and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair when for Your sake we are persecuted.