08/12/2020
It is one thing to be at peace within ourselves, but something quite different when, just by our presence, we bring peace to others, or defuse explosive situations. Are we a calming influence as we walk through the world? Do others view us as peacemakers? If so then scripture tells us we will be called the children of God, and this is a godly characteristic.
““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 ESV
I have three Christian friends, one of them has a very calm disposition and isn’t easily angered or flustered, one is driven, and works hard at solving conflicts by seeing the root cause of issues, and the third, just by his peaceful spirit and faith, exudes peace. Do you know people like these three?
The first, although calm and not easily flustered, and pleasant to be around, wouldn’t be called a peacemaker. His demeanor is more of a personal application of peace, and although he can sit quietly for hours, and very rarely adds to an argument, he never diffuses one either. He uses his faith to control his own demons, and because of this he remains at peace within himself. I would describe him as a jar whose lid remains firmly screwed on, and whose contents, although good, never spill out, and are seldom shared with others. He is a good friend, but doesn’t export peace.
“do not be anxious 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
The second man is driven, and he gains great pleasure in solving complex issues, and quarrels among those around him. He is wise, but never seems to be at absolute peace within himself. He is a man of faith, but can also apply worldly solutions to conflicts. Some call this person a “fixer”, and although he can bring peace to conflicts, his inner peace is lacking, and he is in constant search for something that is broken and in need of repair. This man, like the first, is also someone you would want to call friend, but he is better suited for the role of counselor in your life. He is a peacemaker who isn’t quite at peace within himself, and is much more like John the Baptist...
“Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.””
Mark 1:6-8 ESV
The third person has a personality that is hard to describe; His belief in God brings him a deep sense of calm, but it seems to be founded in an even deeper confidence in his faith than most obtain. He isn’t easily riled up, and leans heavily on the Lord in all situations. There is no boastful nature about him, and he gives God the glory when he brings others to peace. This man has a strong inner peace that is very Christ-like that seems to bubble up from within him. His peaceful nature comes easily, and naturally as he exudes the influence of the Holy Spirit. He has the ability to be a peacemaker, his inner calm flows into those around him like oil atop water that smooths out waves, and his wisdom is founded in the application of scripture which does more than just repair brokenness, it repairs the very heart of a conflict. On the surface nothing may seem to have changed, but the soul of the conflict is spiritually addressed, and peace is returned. More than merely being at peace, this man is a peacemaker at a spiritual level. He doesn't address the physical, or emotional problem as much as he addresses the way people look at it... he changes their hearts by aligning them with God’s Word. This man is one you want to call friend, but also counselor, and peacemaker... he is Christ-like, and a prince of peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
These are the three stages of peace we move through as our faith is perfected. First we achieve an inner peace, then a desire to be a peacemaker, and finally we become peace itself. In this way our Peace, and faith, becomes one with the scriptural description of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit...
The God of peace:
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,”
Hebrews 13:20 ESV
The Prince of Peace:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
And the Spirit of Peace:
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3 KJV
So where are we in the three step progression of peace that I have presented today, and more than that, are we willing to progress through them at all? Sometimes we find a comfortable place in our faith and get stuck there... achieving the status of peacemaker is one such sticking point. We can easily become satisfied with an inner peace, or perhaps we enjoy the role of “fixer”, but to be called sons and daughters of God we need walk this journey to its completion. Are we ready to be peacemakers like Jesus?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the peace you give us, and for perfecting us in it. Thank you for teaching us to become peacemakers, and for calling us your sons and daughters as we spread your peace wherever we go. Help us Father to become more like Jesus with each passing day, and strengthen the peace of faith within us so that we are confident in your ability to pour your peace into those around us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of Peace, and we praise your name for every peaceful influence you have on our spirits. You are mighty indeed Lord, not just in battle, but in the calm you give us in every storm, and the peace you bring to our spirits, and allow to exude from us. You are merciful Father, and your grace flows gently into, and out of, our souls through Jesus Christ. We take comfort in you, and lean into the peace we find in your arms. Hear our prayer Lord as we pray for the peace of Christ, and share that blessing with others. All glory is your Holy Father as we become the vessel of peace unto the world. Through Jesus make us perfect in peace, and acceptable to you... in this way find us pleasurable, and invite us to dine with you for eternity.
“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV
Rich Forbes