Are YOU a Peacemaker? Matthew 5:9 by Kelly Durant

Are You a Peacemaker?                                                   Matthew 5:9       By Captain Kelly Durant

2.Missionaries have always fascinated me. Today our schools teach history as only secular, sterile, and as considerably boring material since it deals mostly with only politics and power. But the real interesting stories of history are those about people who went to faraway places for the first time like David Livingston, the Scott who was the first white man in Africa in the 1800’s. His stories are like Marco Polo’s. He was almost killed several times but saved by miraculous means; read his stories! How many of you have heard of him or read about him? Not long ago everyone knew of him and his adventures, along with Hudson, Muller, and Wesley!

One missionary story worth bringing attention to is from the 1950s of Jim Elliot. He was one of 5 missionaries that were making friends with the Quechua Indians in the deep jungle of Ecuador which had never had any outside contact with modern man before. For weeks they dropped gifts from their airplane but when the day came to land and meet them they were not received well. All five were killed but here is what I want to emphasize: when authorities examined the area later it was discovered the missionaries had loaded guns but they had chosen not to use them! How Christlike that was! It was in Elliot’s diary that it was better to die for Jesus than to kill for him. He was a man of peace. It is sad that today these Christian values are not exalted.

The most famous quote from his diary which I love is this one: “You are no fool to give a life you cannot keep, to gain a love you will never lose”.  After a decade the Indians did convert, TTL!

3. Blessed are the peacemakers! In the end only Jesus’ way and heart changing words brings the peace to the human race. When the angels announced Jesus birth to the shepherds, their first word was, “Peace on earth”! As the old bumper stickers that use to appear on cars reads: Know Jesus, know peace, No Jesus, no peace. 

Why am I preaching on peace today? Like it or not all of us seem to be exposed to an abundance of people who do not practice peace! Some people have the worldly idea they have to always fight for their own and make their point stick not caring if they are damaging the peace they could have with the larger group. I thought I should address this issue because at times amongst our selves everyone experiences inner family or extended family conflicts. These disturbances happen inside and outside the church and often they expose hypocrisy on BOTH sides of the fight!

James 4:1 (MSG) 4 1-2 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

4. Many opinions on current events are circulating right now and some confused Christians even believe that God’s justice includes doing something harmful to others to make a point. Romans 3:8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.” The irony is that even a few so called Christian Reverends may demand justice but justice is never achieved through mob rule, chanted words, or violence. Attacks on others has a way of being counter-productive as it just brings about even more disturbances until finally someone forgives and stops the cycle of revenge. Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

5. Regarding our Christian character and how to have a controlled one, concerning how to win by peace, let’s examine Jesus most famous opening statements to everyone for all generations:

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Those who are not full of themselves and proud are ready for heaven)

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Those who are empathetic, and offer consolation to others in pain get comfort returned to them)

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (The humble, non-aggressive people will win and dominate everything in the future kingdom of God under Jesus rule)

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (People who want God’s way of doing things are always desiring that which is pure and correct)

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (People who forgive & love as they want to be loved will be loved back)

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Those who are not doing anything corrupt, those who are being holy as God is holy)

And now the emphasis of today:

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (So agitators by default are the children of who?)

5. Jesus Sermon on the Mount was influencing thousands towards the stopping of the cycle of violence in his day. His entire message was always of peace and of loving your enemies, a feat considered impossible, but that is God’s standard. Everything about Jesus message and life was diametrically opposed to the world’s message, because people for glory subdued others. Recall at that time how badly the Hebrews wanted revenge on the cruel enslaving Romans!

Jesus infused a new diametrically contrary governance model into the world.  One was to conquer by meekness and peaceful means. It was like pouring vinegar on baking soda, the outcome was a reaction that neutralized the harbored bitter properties of both sides. This model eventually served as the means to defeat the aggressive Roman Empire with the new Constantine Holy Roman Empire, which brought peace for a while until corruption ruined it. Here is an oriental saying, the teeth are hard and fall out, but the tongue is soft but remains.

So why do agitators exist trying to stir up division however they can? Do you recall the phrase, “Divide and conquer”, this tactic is Satan at work with the same old game! The recent play on racial wars, class warfare, and religious disunites are a proof of the obvious concerning politically motivated people: They have their own personal agenda for gain, and they feed the inner carnal debauched appetites of others for vengeance, violence, and power to attain them.

6. Contrary to this there are outstanding examples of people who have changed the world for the better and brought peace to family feuds, many thousands, or to millions in entire nations.

Let’s look at just a few of these modern day peace heroes and peacemakers who were blessed and blessed others. Who has been successful in diffusing race and economic power differences preventing massive deaths in our own century?

One of them is Mahatma Gandhi.  The oppressive English lost the battle with him because his way of protesting was by peaceful means, even fasting until the violence and killing stopped. India won independence from England in 1947 after he had protested many times by peaceful means. Non-violence worked because the world felt sorry for the suffering Indians under the English because the violence used against them was excessive. Gandhi attributed the Bible and the Sermon on the Mount as being a big influence in his life.  An International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October on the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi to celebrate the effectiveness of the victory won from the outcome of his peaceful protests.

7. Another hero of peace is Nelson Mandela. You are aware how oppressive and segregated the country of South Africa was and unjustly he served 27 years in jail. When he was released having fame due to his writings and support of being an anti-apartheid  freedom fighter for the oppressed, he was exalted to being voted in as the President of the country. On his release he immediately said he was called to be a humble servant and he pleaded for all tribes to unite and to not take revenge on anyone. He made a court system in which if the white oppressors were to come voluntarily and confess their sins against the people and ask forgiveness, forgiveness was granted. Quote, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy, then he becomes your partner”. This outraged all the African blacks that wanted revenge on whites for their crimes, but due to these peaceful measures, he prevented even more bloody massacres from happening. May God bless him in his final days on earth, amen? He turned 95 last Thursday 7-18-13!

8. Americans also recognize one of their own peacemakers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: a modern day hero of civil rights and peace. He spoke at protests emphasizing peace and due to his marches, many laws were changed for and more equal rights were achieved for Afro-Americans. Quote, (I Have a Dream Speech) ”With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together…” I think it is a pity his Christian principles are not emphasized enough. When we compare Dr. MLK to others such as Malcom X, Luis Farakan, and other current voices, his gospel of influence outweighs in all areas.

9. When we think of peace what verses come to mind? 

Peace emanates from a person pleasing God.

Proverbs 16:7

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

The benefits of being a peaceful person brings on God’s blessings and even good health.

Peace comes from knowing God’s word and practicing it.

Psalms 119:165

Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them.  Someone could offend you and it will not even phase you because you have your value in God, not in opinions.

Peace is directly connected to Jesus and the Holy spirit.  John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

People who have peace almost always have a face (happy and calm) which reflects that peace. In our case as Christians, we bring peace (or take it back) according to how people receive Jesus message. Matthew 10:13

If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.   You should be bringing peace to everyone everywhere you go, that is If they deserve it whether they accept Jesus message of peace or not!

10. The question today is, are you a real peacemaker as Jesus had intended? I have heard some people in the past take pride in saying, “Oh, I’m just brutally honest; I’m just a firey Irish; or I love a good fight”! These qualities are of the world and not of God. Some people always love going against others just because they enjoy seeing people get bothered and red in the face!

Today God is calling you and me to influence everyone with a peace that is supernatural!  A peace that is divine in nature overwriting your human nature! A peace from God!

Peace means not speaking loud to express your point trying to dominate every conversation because you believe you know more than others. That is pride. Some people even argue Bible?!

Peace means talking to a person, or people, whom you feel has offended you in the past.

Peace implies letting others have contrary opinions to yours, and quite often opinions really do not even matter so much. But of course Christians should not tolerate people who offend God’s truth in the Bible when exposed to moral or blasphemous words, practices, or beliefs. Then we must speak the truth even if it does disrupt the peace. But if a complaint is of murder, what other murders are supported in society in hypocrisy? Injustices abounding? What about the politicians with so many scandals and yet no jail time is served for them? Justice implies a lot!

11. There is a time for peace and a time for war according to Ecc. 3: 8  A time to love,

    And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

One must evaluate what fight God wants you to pursue though. If you are standing up against hypocrisy, and against sin as Jesus did, then you are correct to disturb the peace and to bring on a war cry provoking conviction in the hearts of evil doers.

In the world today, however, beware that many fights are created only for someone’s gain or as a diversion tactic so someone can pull off some bigger scandal and not be noticed (since all the focus is on the hyped conflict). Our world is full of political divisiveness and you have seen this all your life. But by praying (and being watchful) the Holy Spirit can reveal many truths to you not shared by media outlets so you apply yourself to fight for the right things at the right time.

Jesus chose his fight against sin, but not with the drunks and harlots who would easily recognize their wrongs against God; He disturbed the peace with the religious hypocrites and leaders who were damaging the faith of others by misrepresenting the character of our God of love, peace, and mercy!

12. Does your face reflect peace to those around you? Peace-making is a lifestyle that can only be lived out by a person who is filled with Jesus peace and the Holy Spirit.  Luke 1:79 (Jesus came) To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

If you are full of Jesus, then you are full of His peace! Will you start becoming more peaceful as of today? In Miami I have heard people yell at each other over stealing parking spots; to bring peace to a non-peaceful world is not easy but with the Holy Spirit you can do it! Ask God for forgiveness for your rough nature, and ask Him to remake you into a peacemaker at all costs.

Final prayer…by St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.