Matthew 5:9 - Peacemakers

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, New American Standard Bible, 1995)

Miss Congeniality

The movie, Miss Congeniality is about a beauty pageant. Each contestant is asked, 

"What is the one most important thing our society needs?" 

Gracie Hart, played by Sandra Bollock, responds bluntly, honestly, "That would be harsher punishment for parole violators." Realizing how shocking that sounds to everyone else, she quickly echoes what all the other contestants have said: "And world peace!"

How many presidents and diplomats from various countries have tried to be "peacemakers," in any number of international hot spot? But "shuttle diplomacy" works only if both parties really want a third party to intervene.

Who makes peace with whom?

This blessing from the Sermon on the Mount is much more personal. That's why Paul says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Romans 12:18, NASB95)

You can't make peace with everyone because some people are irreconcilable. (2 Timothy 3:3) But if most people tried to be at peace with everyone they know, would that build sufficient momentum toward world peace?

Peace on earth

When I was in high school, our Christmas concerts often ended with, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

But the angels didn't teach the shepherds to sing, "Let it begin with me." Instead, they announced:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."  (Luke 2:14, NASB95)

Family Resemblance

I can't muster up enough graciousness, humility and kindness to be a sincere peacemaker with people who have deeply hurt or wronged me--or maybe I've wronged them! I have to experience peace, first. Therefore...

"...God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross." (Colossians 1:19–20, New Living Translation, 2015). Peacemakers are known as God's children because they bear a family resemblance to their father, the God of Peace." (Hebrews 13:20)

------------------------

When we pray "in Jesus' name," He actually has several names. Hear those names as a blessing of peace for individuals; the promise of peace for the world...

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, NASB95)  Amen.