Blessed Are the Peacemakers...

"We hear much of love to God; Christ spoke much of love to man. We make a great deal of peace with heaven; Christ spoke much of peace on earth."  - Henry Drummond

The entire Bible describes the extent to which divine love will go in seeking peace with sinful persons. Let me share some examples with you. Matthew 5:9 powerfully speaks of God's peacemaking mission. Three verses contained within 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 back this up nicely. The role of peacemaker is further illustrated in Isaiah 9:7 when God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, calls the Messiah "the Prince of Peace."

Additionally, he foretells Christ's reconciling ministry in Isaiah 53:5. Hebrew prophet Zechariah also predicted the mission of Jesus in Luke 1:79. Even the angelic chorus at Jesus' birth praised God saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14). Jesus preached peace in the Upper Room (John 14:27; 16:33). He appeared to to the disciples on that first resurrection evening, telling them "Peace be unto you" (Luke 24:36).

One important thing we must be clear on is that God will not make peace with sinners at any price. When it comes to peace He will not soften His stance. God does not compromise, nor does He cut deals. He offers peace on the terms of absolute surrender (Isaiah 57:21; Luke 13:3). The gospel which Jesus directed us to preach to all nations is a gospel of repentance and remission of sins in his name (Luke 24:47). The remission (or pardon) of sins is conditioned on repentance.

This brings me to my final point today. God does make peace with those who repent of sin and believe on Jesus. As a matter of fact, this is the very heart of the gospel (Ephesians 2:14-17; Romans 5: 1-10; Galatians 3:24-29). What this all means is that God has given us, the redeemed, that ministry. And as the ambassadors of Christ we have full authority to declare the gospel, but none to change it. We call people to peace with God on His terms, and His terms alone.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14; Proverbs 19:17; Jeremiah 8:11; Colossians 3:15; James 3:17-18

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant us grace and courage to give and to receive the forgiveness which by itself, and only itself can heal our wounds; and guide us always toward peace, amen.

May God bless you always,

Melinda