“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matt. 5:9
Living in Conflict
People naturally want to live peacefully, in calm serenity. Jesus is not saying blessed are those living in peace, but blessed are peacemakers.
Peacemakers actually live in the midst of conflict. In other words, blessed are those living in conflict and bringing peace. Godly joy is readily found in the worst conflicts.
Responding to the Poor
C.T. Studd grew up the son of a wealthy Englishman, felt compelled to fulfill Matthew 19:21, sold what he had and gave to the poor. He spent his life in China, India, and Africa. In a poem he wrote is the line,
“Some wish to live within the sound of chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell.”
Studd discovered a joy in the midst of conflict.
Ideas on Peace
Jesus lived at a time described as the “Pax Romana,” or Roman peace. Rome established and maintained peace through military might. Jesus, however, is referring to a peace (shalom) that makes a person whole, not the absence of war.
Peace is described as a state of mind, inward soundness, and well-being.
Peace in Relationships
Peace involves connecting with God, man, the environment, and yourself. The Fall of Man changed all these relationships, yet finding divine peace heals them.
The Greatest Peace
The greatest kind of peacemaking is leading someone to make peace with God.
When a person finds peace with God and themselves, they move toward reconciliation with others, giving people the ability to genuinely love everybody.
A Peacemaking God
The God of peace sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross and restore right relationships. Jesus’ death ripped the veil and tore down the separation between God and man. Paul describes Jesus as our peace, restoring relationships and bringing unity.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…and he came and preached peace to you who were far off (Gentile) and peace to those who were near (Jew).” (Ephesians 2:14)
The coming of Jesus brings the possibility of peace with God and your fellow man.
Sons and Daughters of God
Peacemakers have an element of godliness about them, lovingly restoring right relationships. God considers peacemakers as one of His own, like a proud dad making the claim, “That’s my boy!”
the challenge
Be a peacemaker! Establish peace with God and others wherever you go. Find a special joy in the midst of conflict.
For a video message on this topic filmed in the land of the Bible, click here.
What are some practical ways you can become a peacemaker to those around you? Share your comments below.
