America Needs More Peacemakers

Posted

I think everyone would agree that America desperately needs more PEACEMAKERS. The Bible agrees.

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

Jam 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Phil 4:2-3 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Gal 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

From these scriptures it is clear that the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) wants to lead us and empower us to make peace in this fallen world. Question: Who was the greatest peacemaker of all time? JESUS, huh. How successful was He? Not very, huh. There were days when He had multitudes, but they mostly stayed for the food and pleasant teachings. When Jesus got down to the hardcore parts of His deity, sin, faith and obedience “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” Jn 6:66 (notice the “666” on those who left Christ)

That’s when He confronted the twelve. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus wanted them to affirm that they were ALL IN. He could read their hearts, so He knew that already. He wanted them to know that they were ALL IN with Him - heart, mind, soul, strength and body; and eleven of them were.

Did Jesus’ lack of success in making peace with the multitudes and in helping them make peace with God and each other, stop Him from being a PEACEMAKER? NO! Living the life of a PEACEMAKER isn’t based on results. Being a PEACEMAKER is based on the LORDSHIP of Jesus. If He is our LORD, then we are His servant. And if we are His servant, we have our DAILY marching orders: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” If we are truly one of His disciples, then we will live our life trying to help others MAKE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST.

But never forget: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.” Jn 15:18-19 Living the life of a PEACEMAKER will not receive love and approval and kindness in this fallen world. PEACEMAKERS will be hated, Jesus said so. So are you up for the challenge? All you have to do is speak and stand for every truth that Jesus did, as you witness to others about His love and sacrifice on Calvary. God bless.

Mike Sublett is a pastor at Hi-Land Christian Church, 1615 N. Banks St., Pampa, Texas 79065. Email him at pawdad@nts-online.net.