Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ~ Matthew 5:9

Peacemaker? What peace is Jesus referring to? Is it simply tranquility, or the cessation of hostility? Is it some sort of détente like we had with the former USSR when they could no longer afford to maintain a cold war?

Consider what the father of John the Baptist said upon the birth of this man of God.

Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace. ~ Luke 1:78-79 NKJV

Again, in the next chapter speaking of Jesus Himself:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” ~ Luke 2:14

Jesus, our Prince of Peace, brings us of the ending of hostilities between God and man. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that the mind set on the flesh is actively hostile toward God.

…because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; ~ Romans 8:7

And what is it that can bring an end to these hostilities? Does peace come because God closes His eyes, ignoring our sin? No! This hostility can only end one way. We must surrender our lives to Him.

With the coming of Jesus, we can finally put down the weapons of our warfare against God. As we lay down our hate, our rebellion, our self-righteousness, we take up the cause of Christ. We become peacemakers – those who work to bring this same peace to others.

Once you know the peace that Jesus offers, you will never be content to sit by and let those around you wage their useless war against the Lord of Hosts.

If you don’t know this peace for yourself, you can find it today. Call upon the name of Jesus. These beatitudes pave a clear path toward relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Talk to Jesus about it. He can hear you wherever you are. Admit your own poverty of spirit and your need for God.

Confess and forsake all your sin. Tell Him about every sin you can remember doing and ask Him for forgiveness.

Meekly submit your will, your desires, your plans, to Him.

Pursue righteousness and integrity in everything you do, with His help. Offer mercy and forgiveness to those who owe you or have hurt you.

Ask Jesus to purify your heart, and press into more and more purity. Meditation on His word cleanses you like no soap can.

Then you will become a peacemaker too, and as you experience His peace, you will want to draw others to His side as well.

If you have talked to Jesus about these things, tell me about it. My email is ben@anotherredletterday.com. I’d love to hear your story. Tell a Christian you know. Get plugged into a church, and begin to live in His Word, the Bible. We live by the daily bread of His voice.

Thanks for stopping in,

Walk in the Blessing!

Ben