“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

We live in a world struggling for peace. This struggle is pictured by the Psalmist, “Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalm 120:6-7) This restlessness about peace is found in Scripture from the very beginning when Cain killed his brother Abel. When God inquired about Abel, Cain responded, “’I don’t know,’ he replied. ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’” (Genesis 4:9) From that point on, peace is fleeting because of the sin in the human heart. When Isaiah speaks of the sin of the people, he says, “Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths.” (Isaiah 59:6-8)

In this world struggling for peace, Jesus was born. In the announcement of His birth, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) True peace is now possible as we come to faith in Jesus Christ. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1-2) Even with Jesus bringing to us peace, there is a separation between those who know Him by faith and those who do not. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’” (Matthew 10: 34-36)

It is with God’s desire for peace through Jesus Christ and the hostility which sin can bring, Jesus says to those who are to follow Him, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Peacemakers are those who follow Jesus with the announcement of the angels. Peace does come to those who come to Christ by faith and now have God’s favor as they follow Jesus. This is Jesus’ promise to His disciples as he prepares for the cross. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The task of peacemaker is given to those who, by faith, become children of God. “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27) When we are clothed with Christ, we are able to love others as He has loved us. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7) Jesus extends this love to our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45) We are to love our enemies because we were once God’s enemy because of our sin and through Christ God has brought peace to us. Now, as His children, we are to present hope and life through love to all because we are blessed as His children to be peacemakers.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block