“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
Peace. Some people want it for tranquility. Some people desire it for sanity. Others crave it for the sake of humanity. And then there is a group of hellions who can’t live unless they are living in turmoil. Peace and madness are distinguishing characteristics between children of God and sons of Satan. I know that sounds harsh, but let’s be honest, it’s the harsh truths that give us spiritual breakthrough.
Before digging deeper into this passage. Peace needs to be defined in regards to what it is not. Here are a few things that peace is NOT.
- Peace is not the presence of incense and good vibes. That would be Seattle..or App State?
- Peace is not destination.
- Peace is not the absence or oversight of truth.
- Peace is not putting aside beliefs for the sake of unity.
Isaiah 9:6 shows us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When we observe the life and ministry of the Messiah Jesus Christ, we see many things and arrive and many conclusions. We often picture Jesus with a baby lamb and a hemp bracelet. While He was indeed nurturing, loving, and peaceful; He was also as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1).
It is imperative that Christ followers do not forsake truth for the sake of peace. Jesus spoke truth boldly knowing that only the righteousness of God could truth establish a life of peace (Isaiah 32:17). We live in a culture, yes, even our Christian culture, that teaches us to be silent and turn a blind eye to truth for the sake of peace. This culture would rather one disobey God for the sake of peace rather then be obedient.
Having said all of that, this leads us to the words of Jesus. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Being a peacemaker does indeed mean that we do not seek turmoil or provoke others to chaos and disastrous ways. This also means that we act in peace as Jesus acted in peace.
Jesus was not one to start a riot. He was one to stand in the Father’s righteousness. The righteousness of God contains the absolute presence of His peace. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before the public for stoning. It would have been the “peaceful” thing for Jesus to do to go along with the crowd. However that is not what we see. He stands with the woman caught in this act, and against the religious majority. When Jesus walks through the temple and see’s His Father’s house being treated like a flea market, what does Jesus do? He turns tables..not exactly “peaceful.”
Jesus is not being a hypocrite. He is demonstrating a deeper level of the truths He was preaching and living out. He is showing us that peace is neither the absence of truth nor the oversight of it. Peace is the presence and truth of God manifest in every situation for the Glory of the Father. To live this type of life one can’t think of peace as a destination, rather peace is a constant manifestation of the Father’s love for us in every step of repentive obedience we take towards Him. One can’t be silent when injustices are taking place for the sake of united “peace” either. Standing with God, on “God issues” brings us into a place of perfect peace. It also allows us to be people of peace. It allows us to be people of peace because we aren’t trying to implement some fraudulent state of nirvana or denial to achieve and bring about peace. We are revealing the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in His truth.
Be a peacemaker. Walk in truth. Reveal God’s kingdom through your obedience to Him.
Be blessed.
Nate Staton 