Blessed are the Peacemakers
Pastoral | January 23, 2024 | By: Rick Holman
Every year, I find myself returning to a section of Scripture that consistently revitalizes my spiritual journey. From time to time, my walk with the Lord becomes stale or listless, and I wake up one day to find myself in the middle of a literal and figurative desert, wondering how I got there. It’s never a good feeling, but thankfully, it doesn’t take long to find my way out.
In those moments, the biography of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew shakes me from my doldrums, gives me clarity, and lifts my eyes to my rediscovered purpose as a follower of Jesus.
The most comprehensive message to followers of Jesus about discovering or rediscovering our purpose is found in chapters 5-7, more commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this message, Jesus announces that the kingdom of God has arrived and that its characteristics will consist of a community of believers marked by humility, forgiveness, radical love for neighbors, and a commitment to God’s way of love, which ultimately leads to peace. Astonishingly, Jesus combines the aspects we often associate only with Heaven and brings them to Earth, envisioning a new place free from injustice, suffering, and spiritual death.
As this section always does, it directed my attention to the Holy Spirit, who led me to reflect on the concept of peace. Perhaps it was the chaos in the world, a contentious election season, or an inner struggle brewing within me, but the thought of peace felt particularly enticing.
Matthew records Jesus’ words in chapter 5, verse 9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Interestingly, Jesus uses the term "peacemaker," which we hear far less often than "peacekeeper." There is a significant difference between the two. A peacekeeper merely seeks to maintain the status quo, keeping opposing sides at bay without real change. A peacemaker, however, strives to achieve something greater—to move toward a better future by creating peace.
Jesus promises that peacemakers will not only create peace but also experience a profound blessing. While “blessing” can mean happiness, I prefer the deeper meaning: prolonged contentment. And if there’s one thing I long for today, it’s prolonged contentment.
How Do We Become Peacemakers?
1. Peace with Jesus
To be a peacemaker, we must first have peace with Jesus. He is the ultimate source of our peace. Nothing in the world—no possession, achievement, or experience—can bring prolonged contentment like the person and presence of Jesus. The apostle Paul writes that at one time, we were enemies of God, but while we were in that state, God made peace with us through the death of Jesus (Romans 5:10). This act of divine goodwill, and our acknowledgment of it, forms the foundation for discovering peace with Jesus. We must begin here.
2. Helping Others Discover Peace
Once we have peace with Jesus, we are called to be His peacemakers. This involves helping others:
Discover peace with Jesus: Point others toward the ultimate source of peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Make peace with others: Live out the call to pursue harmony and reconciliation (Romans 12:18).
Find points of agreement: Focus on God’s promises, which are true and trustworthy (2 Corinthians 1:20).
This threefold mission serves as a blueprint for followers of Jesus to go into the world as peacemakers. But Jesus takes this plan further by modeling what it means to create peace.
How Does Jesus Model Peace?
When we examine the life of Jesus, we see that as Creator, King, and all-powerful God, He could have imposed peace through force, manipulation, or decree. Instead, He chose to give Himself up, laying down His life and making peace through the blood of the cross (Colossians 1:20). This sacrificial act reveals that true peace requires self-denial.
Does this mean we are called to die? Not literally, but figuratively. To be peacemakers, we must die to our own will, our rights, our way, and our desire to always be right. Peacemaking is not about maintaining the status quo; it’s about creating something new and better. Jesus has chosen us for this sacred task.
Practical Steps to Be Peacemakers
1. Die to Self: Embrace humility and lay aside personal pride or agendas for the sake of peace.
2. Model Jesus’ Love: Reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus in your interactions with others.
3. Seek Reconciliation: Actively pursue harmony in relationships, even when it requires uncomfortable conversations or compromises.
4. Be a Bridge: Find common ground with others, focusing on shared values and God’s promises.
A Call to Action
The Sermon on the Mount reminds us that Jesus’ followers are to be marked by humility, forgiveness, and radical love. These qualities enable us to make peace and help others discover the kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven. When we die to ourselves, people will see the true peace of Christ and be drawn to it.
Amazingly, Jesus entrusts this precious role to His children. My prayer is that we, as followers of Jesus, will embrace this calling, striving to make peace and model His love to the world. Now, go forth and model peace!
Rick Holman
Cactus Campus Pastor
Discover more about experiencing peace with God and sharing it with others by joining Alpha or Rooted this semester. Alpha is for those who have doubts, questions, or want to know what it means to know God. Rooted is an opportunity to learn about and practice seven rhythms that will take your faith in Jesus to a deeper level.
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