12/17/2023
Although we are Christians, can we remember the last time we made peace in a bad situation? Perhaps we never have, but if by chance we can remember such a time, then we are truly blessed. If we are peacemakers then God promises us a blessing, but what will that blessing be, and in the moment when God reveals it to us will it be everything we imagined? In that blessed instant of unimaginable grace will the gift of holiness we receive allow us to see the brilliant glory of the great I Am, and hear Him call us sons?
““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 ESV
Discord abounds in the world, and on occasion it creeps into the church as well, so there is no shortage of opportunity for saints to become peacemakers. Uprooting conflict and strife so that peace and harmony can return is worthy of honorable mention, and reward, and this is the will of God… it opens the narrow gate into His presence, and makes eternity possible.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 ESV
We have all found ourselves in places and environments where an undercurrent of distrust, anger, and deceit was pervasive; a place where discomfort abounded and we felt out of place, or ill at ease. When we find ourselves in such places or situations they are highly contagious, and over time they can infect us with their vile nature. Even churches are not immune, and are susceptible to such sickness. So what do we do when we find ourselves in such environments, and in the presence of people who are at war with one another? Well, we can remove ourselves so that we will not be infected, or we can pray for the wisdom and guidance needed to become peacemakers, and heal the wounds.
Running away can save us, but healing the strife and turmoil between people and within situations by inoculating them with the peace of Christ can save many… it can save churches, countries, and families… and it can earn for us an amazing blessing of holiness, and the title of sons and daughters of God. We can become God’s champions and His peacemakers by speaking His Word into the world, and the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Romans 14:19 ESV
In this way, we speak wisdom, peace, and righteousness, into those who are unsettled, and foil the wickedness of Satan as he seeks to ruin the harvest of God. In as much as discord is contagious, our peacefulness is more so. Our efforts as peacemakers heal the sick, and troubled.
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
James 3:18 ESV
In the pursuit of harmony and peace we can put ourselves in harm’s way, experience great danger, and maybe even offer up our lives as the apostles and martyrs have, but is the blessing of the peacemaker worth the price this world will demand of us? What say you? Are you one who runs away, or one who speaks the peace of Christ?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the peacemakers you have called from within those who are faithful, and believe in you. Thank you for those to whom you have given wisdom, and the gift of peacefulness so that they might heal the disunity and discord found among your people, the Church of Christ, and the world of sinners yet to be saved. Help us Holy Father to preach and teach your peace, and to soothe the animosity we encounter as we follow Jesus Christ. Bless us Father as we work towards your desire for peace in the world, and good will towards men. But, most of all, glorify yourself through our obedience, and the effort we put forth in doing your will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose Son Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and the Lamb of God. Praised be your name for you sent Him to reconcile us to you, and to bring peace between us where our sinfulness had sown the seeds of discord and brought forth your wrath upon us. You are the great Peacemaker who sent Jesus to shed His blood, and die to repair the relationship we had broken. By your love, goodness, and grace you have reestablish peace between us. Jesus, the willing and obedient instrument of your peace, and the Good Shepherd has, by His very life healed the wound we bore. Transform us Father, not only into righteous men and women, but into your Holy children, and the heirs and joint heirs of Jesus… transform us into peacemakers to the world who now speak the gospel of Jesus, and who deliver the invitation of your peace to all who would believe. Bless us Father, and make us to be your righteous children, and Holy emissaries of peace to all the world.
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
“And he [Jesus] said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
Luke 9:23-25 ESV
Rich Forbes