The Beatitudes - 7. The Peacemakers

Hello and welcome to Van life Devotions. Leading up to Easter, we are looking at each of the Beatitudes – the incredible teaching of Jesus that was a part of His famous Sermon on the Mountain.

Over the past six weeks, we have looked at the first six Beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”, “Blessed are those who mourn…”, “Blessed are the meek…”, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”, “Blessed are the merciful…”, and “Blessed are the pure in heart…”. Today’s beatitude is from Matthew 5 verse 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NIV).

If there is every such a time to have peacemakers, it would be right now! Wars, Threats, Cyber Attacks – are everywhere. Tensions are high around the world and right in our communities.

A peacemaker is one who discovers the origin of the conflict, finds a way to resolve it, and helps the parties to restore a proper, relationship. This applies to individuals or nations. They actually “make” or “construct” peace.

The word peace that Jesus used is the Hebrew word “shalom”. It isn’t just the absence of evil but is a positive word which has to do with the well-being of another, seeking for them the highest good. When a Jew says to another, Salaam they not only wish for the other person the absence of trouble; their wishes for them is for the presence of all good things. In the Bible peace means not only freedom from all trouble; it means enjoyment of all good. Therefore, being a peacemaker is to work for right relations between persons, all persons.

The late Haden Robinson has written, “No peace will exist between nations until peace reigns in each country. And no country will have peace until peace dwells with the people. And no people will have peace until they surrender to the Prince of Peace.”

Jesus’ primary role when He came to this earth was to be a PEACE-MAKER. He was making real peace, between God and humanity. The peace Jesus brought was far more than just the absence of fighting - it is a fully restored relationship with God. His death on the cross achieved forgiveness and reconciliation between humanity and God.

However, the Cross has continued down through the ages to be the ground of conflict - it has been a bone of contention. Some have embraced it in love and commitment to Christ; others have cursed it and ridiculed it. But it was absolutely necessary if peace was to be restored between God and people. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that He was the Prince of Peace.

It is “hardly surprising, therefore, that the particular blessing which attaches to peacemakers is that “they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NIV). For they are seeking to do what their Father has done, loving people with His love. It is the devil who is a troublemaker; it is God who loves reconciliation and who now through his children is bent on making peace” (John Stott).

Making Peace with God is one thing. He has already forgiven us. Making peace with one another is a challenge. And yet this is what Jesus is telling us to be “Peacemakers”. Who in your world do you need to make peace with?

Let’s Pray.

Lord God. Our world is crying out for peacemakers. Help us to make a difference by being a peacemaker. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

David Moyes