Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV

Why is peace such an elusive place that so many people struggle to find? “There was a time in my life when I thought I had everything—millions of dollars, mansions, cars, nice clothes, beautiful women, and every other materialistic thing you can imagine. Now I struggle for peace.” (Richard Pryor)

The crowd on that hillside heard Jesus’ words correctly that morning but what did they mean for them? Jesus spoke about them being blessed, peacemakers, and children of God. How could they be peacemakers when they were under the bondage of a foreign power? How could they be peacemakers when struggling with their neighbor over a dispute? Their days were nothing but a struggle, how could they have peace?

Jesus’ words have continued to stir within the soul of his followers since that day. “There is a special joy for the peacemakers. Self-assertiveness and a divisive spirit know nothing of peacemaking. But those who reconcile the estranged are doing something just like God: he is always making peace. Sadly, this characteristic has been sadly missing from vast tracts of the church down the centuries. The children have been very unlike the Father, and have rendered him incredible to many.” (Michael Green)

Somehow there is something appropriate about today’s post featuring the 7th Beatitude coming just as the United States finished one of the most divisive elections in recent years. Yet maybe even more appropriate is falling on Veterans Day. This is a Public Holiday that is observed annually on November 11. “A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” (U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs)

Veterans Day marks a public recognition and observance of those who have served their country in their unique roles as peacemakers. Saint Augustine wrote “The purpose of all wars, is peace.” Though some people may debate the purpose of the war, there is no doubt in the minds of the frontline military personnel that the battles are to obtain peace. “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” –General Douglas MacArthur

There have been very few periods of relative peace in human history. The New York Times had an article in 2003 that out of the past 3,400 years, humans have experienced only around 268 years of complete peace. Yet God intended peace to be the normal pattern, not the exception.  “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Our word peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, a beautiful word picture of a person at complete peace with God, others, and self. “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

Jesus called his followers to be Peacemakers among those they encountered each day. Peacemakers not only learn to live in peace but also bring harmony among others. J.R.R. Tolkien was a peacemaker in the life of his close friend C.S. Lewis. Tolkien displayed the ultimate role as a peacemaker, he was instrumental in Lewis coming to faith in Jesus. Tolkien wrote of peace as a way of life in his classic fantasy tale of The Hobbit. “Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favourite haunt.”

Peacemakers flourish in the world by living a life of quiet harmony. The current cultural environment has brought some great changes in living life but it has also created a level of anxiety and stress unparalleled in history. Anna Medaris in an article for American Psychological Association writes that Gen Z adults and younger Millennials are completely overwhelmed by stress. In it she shares the story of one young person, “Not knowing what your future is going to look like in a world where nobody knows what the collective future is going to look like is, to say the least, overwhelming.”

What a difference when Peacemakers walk alongside those who are anxious and stressed out with the words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

When Jesus called his followers to be Peacemakers it wouldn’t be a passive approach to living life but with boldness and confidence. Peacemakers do not avoid conflict or strive but seek to advance God’s kingdom of righteousness and justice. Peacemakers take Jesus at his word, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27)

God is the ultimate author of peace, seeking to destroy the evil that brings pain and destruction. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“If every member of your community made a concerted effort to become poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and prone to promoting peace, how would your community be transformed? How do these beatitudes bring people together?” (Life with Others, Spiritual Formation Bible)

God has called and equipped us to be Peacemakers in this broken world. Peacemakers working to be the transforming agents “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon’’ where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

God is great!