“Peacemakers“
[By Al Kendall]
Jesus taught in Matthew chapter five that Peacemakers are blessed. There are many avenues and aspects of what being a peacemaker entails. In this short article, I want to concentrate on those that help people find peace with their Creator, namely preachers and teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Gary Henry writes in The Daily Family Bible Study:
“The Hebrew word for “peace,” shalom, is a word with a beautiful connotation. It means not only the absence of strife, but the positive enjoyment of all that is truly good in life. It is the word used in the priestly blessing upon Israel: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26). The God who is described in this blessing is the Giver of “peace.” Not only is peace one of His highest gifts, but the Beatitudes teach that the “peacemakers” will be called “sons of God” (Mt. 5:9).”
Before sin entered into the world, humanity and God had a harmonious and peaceful relationship. When one sins, he stands separated from our Creator because God can no longer have a relationship with sin.
Isa 59:2 (NAS77) “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.”
1 Jn 1:5 (NAS77) “And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
When people sin, they are in need of One who can restore that relationship of peace by cleansing us from our sins that we might be righteous in God’s sight. That One is Jesus and his blood that was shed washes away our sins when we obey the gospel (Acts 22:16).
Eph 6:15 (NAS77) “and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;”
Rom 5:1 (NAS77) “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
So, there is an urgent need for all people to hear the gospel of peace that if heeded, can bring salvation and peace with God.
The apostle Paul writes:
Rom 10:14-15 (NAS77) “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!””
I know personally of those who have made great sacrifices to teach the gospel not only locally but have traveled and lived in areas of the world that were both terribly undeveloped and often dangerous. One moved to China with his entire family when preaching the gospel was forbidden by the government. Bibles had to be bought into the country clandestinely. When local churches were established, they had to assemble in the woods and sing softly so as not to be heard by the authorities.
Another made numerous trips to India, leaving his family, to share the gospel with multitudes were deceived by polytheistic Hinduism. Another, while traveling to preach in Nigeria, was robbed at gunpoint when a log was placed across a rural road stopping their vehicle. Nigeria is a country known for a high level of crime including armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, home invasions, carjacking and violent assault.
The kingdom is God is very blessed by all who preach and teach the gospel. Many preachers have chosen to live and work in difficult and dangerous areas. Many struggle providing the necessities of life for their families.
The feet of the evangelist are beautiful because they bring light into darkness. And how desperately those in darkness need the Light. Jesus is described as the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). His gospel is the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). And through Jesus Christ we can have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
So, in a sense, a proclaimer of the Good News is a peacemaker in that he teaches how one can be at peace with God and have salvation. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:7 (NAS77), “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” is one of the many blessings to be found in Christ, and how shall they hear about it without a peacemaker?
Matt 5:9 (NAS77) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”