A few thoughts on being a peacemaker-“Hatred looks for a victim, while love seeks a victory. The man of war throws stones, and the
peacemaker builds a bridge out of those stones.” Wiersbe
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such
thing.” C.S. Lewis
“Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” Max Lucado
Be-attitude #7 (part 8)
October 16, 2011
Russ Hopkins
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
“Now when he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came
to him, [2] and he began to teach them, saying: [3] ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the
meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. [10]
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’”
Matthew 5:1-10
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
INTRO
First, what does it mean to be “a peacemaker”?
The following is from an article by Ross Cochrane:
I think the clue is that Jesus says that the “peacemakers” will be called “sons of God.”
That indicates that we are talking about peace with God here primarily, not some kind of
man-made peace accord by some Nobel Peace Prize winner. The word “peacemakers”
(eirenopoios) means “to make peace between people and God.”
On a more general level, it also means “to bring people together; to solve disputes and erase
divisions; to reconcile differences and eliminate strife; to build right relationships” but unless
you get the peace-with-God thing right first, then you can kiss the rest goodbye.”
Here’s a great, true, story of a peacemaker:
Telemachus was a 4th century monk who sensed God’s call to leave his monastery for Rome.
When he arrived in Rome people were thronging in the streets because the gladiators were
fighting and killing each other in the coliseum.
He thought, "Four centuries after Christ and they’re still killing each other for enjoyment."He ran
to the coliseum to find the gladiators saying, "Hail to Caesar, we die for Caesar" and he thought,
"This isn’t right.“ He jumped the rail and went to the center of the field. He stood between the
gladiators, held up his hands and said "In the name of Christ, forbear." (cease or to hold back
from)
The crowd protested shouting, "Run him through." A gladiator hit him sending the monk
sprawling. He got up and said, "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd continued to chant,
"Run him through.” A gladiator plunged his sword through the monk’s stomach and he fell,
turning the sand crimson with his blood.
One last time he gasped out, "In the name of Christ forbear." A hush came over the crowd. Soon
one man stood and left, then another and within minutes the crowd emptied the arena. It was
the last known gladiator’s contest in the history of Rome.
Note: Peacemakers are willing to stand in the gap – violently if necessary – to usher peace.”
“It’s important to understand that Jesus isn’t referring to being a peacekeeper but rather a peacemaker.
The difference is that a peacemaker actively overcomes evil with good. He finds satisfaction in removing
hostilities and effecting resolution between enemies.” Joseph Rodgers
Not everyone is a peacemaker – some are peace-breakers or peace-fakers.
-
Peace-breakers
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are
contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our
Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Romans 16:17-18
- Peace-fakers
Peace-fakers are people predisposed to having peace at any cost in an effort to avoid conflict. They
prefer peace over truth, over healthy relationships, and over what’s right. Peace-fakers see ‘peace’ as
the absence of any kind of argument or discord. They’ll go to great lengths to avoid conflict,
confrontation, and unrest.
In doing so, they’ll settle for a counterfeit peace based on avoiding reality. Peace-fakers know there’s a
problem but will not say anything b/c they don’t want to disturb the peace.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all
members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25
So what exactly do peacemakers do?
The main work of a peacemaker is evangelism – reconciling man to God.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who
bring good tidings; who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
You and I, who have been reconciled to God, must help others to be reconciled to God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is
from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has
committed to us the message of reconciliation.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore
you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him
we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
The benefit of being a peacemaker is that you will be called sons of God.
The word used for Sons is (huios): it refers to the dignity, honour, and responsibility a child has due to
bearing his parents name.
When Jesus stated, “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God”, He was
expressing that those who bear His name, must also bear His character. It’s Jesus character to be a
peacemaker – and, if we bear His name, so should we.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Let’s pray!
Next week:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.”
Please read Matthew 5:1-10