Every Family has one...

Perhaps it is your older sibling maybe it is you your aunt or uncle. Perhaps it is you. What is it? PEACEMAKER

That is… someone that always takes it upon themselves when the family quarrels and fights and somehow manages to get between the two opposing parties and tries to bring peace - peacemaker - it is a tough and thankless job but someone has to do it!

That is our earthly family - someone is the peacemaker, not all.

HOWEVER in God’s family WE ALL OUR CALLED TO BE PEACEMAKERS!

Matthew 5:9 Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9)

I. Meaning of peacemaker

What did Jesus mean by peacemaker? Greek definition of peacemaker is someone who is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another. Peace must be made. Peace doesn’t happen by chance. A peacemaker is never passive. They always take the initiative. They are up and doing.

As William Barclay translates this verse, “They are people who produce right relationships in every sphere of life.”

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom - “hello” or “goodbye”. Shalom means good health, prosperity, harmony, and wholeness. When a Jew said “Shalom” they were wishing on another the full presence, peace, and prosperity of all the blessedness of God. Numbers 6:24-26 brings out this idea very clearly: “The LORD bless you and protect you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-25).

Peace in the Bible is based on justice and righteousness.

Isaiah 32:17 “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”

James 3:18 “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

We are called to live at peace with everyone Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

II. Misconception of a peacemaker

Peacemaking is not the Absence of conflict. Peace in the Bible is never to be confused with pacifism - the belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances. Never are we instructed to run from conflict. Putting our head in the sand, hoping that the conflict will end, only delays the inevitable.

III. We are all called to be peacemakers

John 1:12 “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—”

Galatians 3:26 “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,”

IV. The model peacemaker

Jesus is the supreme Peacemaker.

The messianic predictions were that he would be the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

The angels announced his birth by singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth (B) to people He favors!” (Luke 2:14).

Just before he was crucified, Jesus’ last will and testament was, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27).

When the Lord returned after the resurrection, his first word to the disciples was “Shalom.” "Peace to you!" (Luke 24:36).

Do you know the Peacemaker? Have you come into a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace?

God wants you to come into a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.

Invitation