How are we to respond to persecution? First I think it's important to note that here in America, persecution isn't as much an issue as it is in other parts of the world or how is was back in the day. I think the most abusive persecution I've endured here in America has been a response of uninterestedness. Sure, there might be the occasional slander, but nothing life threatening... not like being sawed in half like the early Christians. I can just picture having a conversation with Peter in heaven...

Dan: "Yeah, Peter... sharing Christ with people in America was tough... There were times I was ignored and laughed at." 

Peter: "Oh, I can totally relate... I was tortured, beaten, and then was put to death by being hung upside down on a cross..."

Whether it's life threatening or just really uncomfortable, it's all persecution. Sharing Christ in an environment that's hostile can be the most difficult thing to do. But suffering persecution is our opportunity to show our faithfulness and loyalty to Jesus. There are SO many who've suffered and died for the sake of Christ. These folks have paved the way for us! We can honor them by continuing in there steps. To have to "suffer" persecution is, as Jesus Himself said, "the way to walk the same road as the prophets, the saints, and the martyr's have walked."

To have to suffer persecution is to share in the great "occasion." We should consider it thrilling to be part of something memorable and crucial in sharing Christ. When we are called upon to suffer something, anything for our faith in God, that is always a memorable and crucial moment... it is referred to as "the great occasion."

It is the clash between the world and Christ.

It is not a penalty, but a glorious moment.

"He that shall live this day and see old age, will yearly on the vigil feast his friends, and say, 'tomorrow is Saint Crispian.' Then will strip his sleeve and show his scars, and say, 'these wounds I had on Crispin's day.' -Shakespeare in Henry the Fifth before the battle of Agincourt

"Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9

The American definition of peace is the freedom FROM something. It's the absence of evil, war, strife, etc. Unfortunately we're only experiencing half of the blessing. The peace that is described here includes receiving, enjoying, and to be in the presence of all things good. I think it's so cool that folks in the middle east greet each other with "Salaam alaikum..." They are wishing peace upon one another! What a great way to start a conversation. Seems so much deeper than a "Hey, what's up?"

Next, the blessing is bestowed upon the one who's making peace... not the one who's just basking in it. It goes to the one who's taking the necessary action to preserve peace, not the one evading or avoiding the issue at hand.

So, what does being a child of God mean? That's another one of those things I've always read and though "Yeah, wow... I want to be that." But never really knew what it all entailed. Apparently, the word 'child' is another way of saying 'son'... and calling someone "a son" of something was the typical way to describe someone. Rather than saying "Joe is a peaceful man..." they would say "Joe is the son of peace..." So this beatitude can be read as "Blessed are the ones who actively pursue peace, for the are doing a God-like action!"

One other interesting note... there are 3 ways to look at pursuing peace.

1. Making the world a better place

2. Conquering your own inner conflict

3. Establishing a right relationship between man and man. This seemed to be the most important pursuit of peace. For it has been said "The man who divided men is doing the devil's work, while the man who unites men is doing God's work."