Matthew 5:9:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
In the aftermath of conflicts that have broken out amongst nations of the world, we often see individuals with blue berets or blue helmets whose charge is to closely monitor and observe the peace process in the post-conflict period. They are known as the UN Peacekeepers. Once terms of peace have been agreed upon by both sides, teams of Peacekeepers are sent to assist countries in navigating the terms of peace by helping each country with building confidence, sharing burdens, assisting in economic and social development, monitoring fair elections, and strengthening the rule of law. Their charter is to be “peacekeepers.”
Another way of looking at a “peacekeeper” is what I am often guilty of—avoiding conflict at all costs. This is true not only in personal relationships but also when I listen to panel discussions on radio or watch them on TV. As voices are raised and they begin to talk over one another, I turn away to something more civil.
Sadly, if we believe in peace at any cost, we miss the import of what Jesus is teaching the Disciples, and us. Once again, Jesus is blowing the lid off of the preconceived notions the Disciples had for the arrival of the Messiah. They pictured revolution. Jesus teaches reconciliation. And this reconciliation is produced by “peacemakers.” Peacemakers do not react in a passive fashion where they sit back, avoid conflict and let a situation resolve itself in time. They respond in an active way, to do whatever is needed to bring about reconciliation.
Let’s take a minute to be reminded that none of what Jesus imparts to us is at all possible without receiving salvation in Jesus by faith through grace. At the moment of belief, we are reconciled with the Father and become His child, secured by the Holy Spirit, and we have peace with God and the peace of God. Remember also, Jesus’ sermon is not a series of suggestions on what we need to do to be saved, rather, He is speaking to those who have already come to believe in Him. And so, as believers, we can be assured that God is our heavenly Father and His Son created peace for us; Jesus modeled peace, both in His life and in His death. He became our Peace and is the source of the peace we need to offer to others by the power of the Holy Spirit. He makes it possible for us to be the type of peacemakers He speaks of in this Beatitude, and He bestows upon us the promise of blessing us as peacemakers, that “they shall be called sons of God.” The incredible blessing of this promise is that we will resemble the peace that is part of the character of our heavenly Father.
So, are you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker?
Dear Father, no longer can we just play it safe and avoid getting involved when our friends, family members, or fellow brethren are fighting. Remind us to look at the Cross and remember what the Savior did for us in establishing peace. Help us to be peacemakers in this world, and reflect Christ who is our Peace. In His name and for His sake we pray. Amen.
