March 17

Morning

They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. — Gal 2:10 BSB

Why does God allow so many of His children to experience poverty? He could make them all rich if He wanted to. He could place bags of gold at their doors, or give them a large income. He could shower them with provisions, just as He made quail cover the ground around the camp of Israel and rained bread from heaven. There is no necessity for them to be poor unless He sees it as best. “The cattle on a thousand hills” belong to Him. He could provide for them in abundance, making the richest and most powerful offer up their wealth at the feet of His children. But He doesn’t. He allows them to suffer need, to live in obscurity and sometimes in want.

Why is this? There are many reasons. One is to give those of us who have plenty the chance to show our love for Jesus. We express our love for Christ when we sing praises to Him and when we pray, but if there were no poor among us, we would miss the opportunity to demonstrate our love through giving and supporting His less fortunate followers. He has designed it so that we can prove that our love for Him is not just in words, but in actions and in truth. If we truly love Christ, we will care for those He loves. Those dear to Him will also be dear to us. Let us view helping the poor among God’s flock, not as a duty, but as a privilege. Remember the words of Jesus, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Surely, this promise is sweet enough, and this motivation strong enough, to encourage us to give with willing hands and loving hearts, knowing that Christ accepts all we do for His people as if it were done for Him!

Evening

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. — Matt 5:9 BSB

This is the seventh of the beatitudes, and in Hebrew thought, seven was the number of perfection. Perhaps the Savior placed the peacemaker seventh because the peacemaker most closely resembles the perfect person in Christ Jesus. To experience the highest form of blessedness available on earth, we must reach this seventh benediction and become peacemakers.

There is also significance in the surrounding verses. The beatitude that comes before this one says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” It’s crucial to understand that we are to be “first pure, then peaceable.” Our peaceableness must never compromise with sin or tolerate evil. We must stand firm against anything that goes against God’s holiness. Once purity is established in our hearts, we can pursue peace.

Likewise, the verse that follows seems intentionally placed. No matter how peaceable we strive to be, we will still face opposition and misunderstanding in this world. Even the Prince of Peace brought conflict by His very presence. Although He loved humanity and did no wrong, He was “despised and rejected.” So it is no surprise when peacemakers encounter enemies. That’s why the next verse comforts us: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The peacemakers are not just blessed—they are surrounded by blessings. Lord, grant us the grace to reach this seventh beatitude! Purify our hearts so we may be “first pure, then peaceable,” and strengthen us so our pursuit of peace doesn’t lead to cowardice when we face persecution for Your sake.