Blessed are the Peacemakers
...for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9
When I was a little boy, I had a definite role in my family. I was the peacemaker, being able to get along well with both my brother and my sister. Unfortunately my methodology was often suspect. My preschool teacher reported that I needed to learn to solve my problems verbally instead of physically!
It’s kind of like the fraternity brother and college roommate I had who proclaimed, “I’m a pacifist. If you don’t believe me, I’ll fight you to prove it to you.”
You may laugh at those images, but that’s the kind of Messiah that Israel was awaiting. They were looking for someone in the line and character of King David, one who would destroy Israel’s enemies in order to bring peace to Jerusalem. Remember that in Jesus’ time, Israel was an occupied state. They didn’t even have their own sovereignty; they were ruled by Rome.
Jesus had something else in mind when he talked about peace. In John 14, Jesus told his disciples that when he left them, the Father would send the Holy Spirit to them. Then he told them (v. 27): Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus’ peace isn’t the world’s peace. Jesus told his followers not to fight back…
Listen to these words from Jesus in Matthew 5:38-41: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”
He goes on to say (Matthew 5:43-45), “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Here’s the hard truth: over the past six weeks, we’ve covered some ground that is extremely hope-giving. The poor in spirit get the kingdom of heaven. The mourners get comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who put a right relationship with God first receive fulfillment, and the pure in heart get to see God.
But now we get to the hard words. Peacemaking is costly. Jesus set about a task of peacemaking – he came to reconcile humans to God and to one another. This mission of peace cost Jesus his life – a brutal death on a cross.
It also involves a cross for anyone who would be his follower. Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. There’s no shortcut. He paid the way for us to be reconciled to God, and we become reconcilers as well.
You see, peace is more than simply an absence of fighting. Indeed, Jesus is talking about the Jewish concept of Shalom, a concept that includes general welfare, health, prosperity, rest, and wholeness. There is only One who can bring that kind of peace, and that is Jesus Christ Himself. I find it extremely interesting that following His resurrection Jesus showed up in the Upper Room with his disciples and they recognized Him when He said, “Peace be with you.” This is how Jesus is known and made known – by peace.
So to truly be a peacemaker, we have to help others come to know Him, the only One who can bring true peace.
And to those who are willing to do whatever it takes to bring His peace, God gives the honor of being his sons and daughters. To be a child of God means being in line for an inheritance.
Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 5:9
When I was a little boy, I had a definite role in my family. I was the peacemaker, being able to get along well with both my brother and my sister. Unfortunately my methodology was often suspect. My preschool teacher reported that I needed to learn to solve my problems verbally instead of physically!
It’s kind of like the fraternity brother and college roommate I had who proclaimed, “I’m a pacifist. If you don’t believe me, I’ll fight you to prove it to you.”
You may laugh at those images, but that’s the kind of Messiah that Israel was awaiting. They were looking for someone in the line and character of King David, one who would destroy Israel’s enemies in order to bring peace to Jerusalem. Remember that in Jesus’ time, Israel was an occupied state. They didn’t even have their own sovereignty; they were ruled by Rome.
Jesus had something else in mind when he talked about peace. In John 14, Jesus told his disciples that when he left them, the Father would send the Holy Spirit to them. Then he told them (v. 27): Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus’ peace isn’t the world’s peace. Jesus told his followers not to fight back…
Listen to these words from Jesus in Matthew 5:38-41: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”
He goes on to say (Matthew 5:43-45), “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Here’s the hard truth: over the past six weeks, we’ve covered some ground that is extremely hope-giving. The poor in spirit get the kingdom of heaven. The mourners get comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who put a right relationship with God first receive fulfillment, and the pure in heart get to see God.
But now we get to the hard words. Peacemaking is costly. Jesus set about a task of peacemaking – he came to reconcile humans to God and to one another. This mission of peace cost Jesus his life – a brutal death on a cross.
It also involves a cross for anyone who would be his follower. Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. There’s no shortcut. He paid the way for us to be reconciled to God, and we become reconcilers as well.
You see, peace is more than simply an absence of fighting. Indeed, Jesus is talking about the Jewish concept of Shalom, a concept that includes general welfare, health, prosperity, rest, and wholeness. There is only One who can bring that kind of peace, and that is Jesus Christ Himself. I find it extremely interesting that following His resurrection Jesus showed up in the Upper Room with his disciples and they recognized Him when He said, “Peace be with you.” This is how Jesus is known and made known – by peace.
So to truly be a peacemaker, we have to help others come to know Him, the only One who can bring true peace.
And to those who are willing to do whatever it takes to bring His peace, God gives the honor of being his sons and daughters. To be a child of God means being in line for an inheritance.
Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Comments