If you could choose one word to describe the state of the world right now, what would it be? I am confident that no one would answer, “peace.” The world is always talking about peace, even longing for peace, but never achieving peace. We have been a world at war ever since the fall in Eden. That brings us to our next beatitude.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NASB)
What does it mean to be a peacemaker? This can be a hard one to understand if we view the beatitudes through a pacifist or social gospel lens. Jesus is not teaching us sociology. He is teaching us Christianity.
What is a peacemaker?
Here, Jesus calls upon us to be peacemakers. Elsewhere, He tells us He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. His message will disrupt and divide families (Matthew 10:34-36). That doesn't sound like peace.
This is where we have to be so careful when reading Scripture. We are tempted to define Scripture's terms by our own understanding. Instead, we should let Scripture define and interpret itself.
When we see peace mentioned, our minds automatically want to imagine it means interpersonal or international peace. This is because our highest aspiration tends to be peace with men. On the surface, this sounds like a great goal, but it becomes idolatry when it is our highest aspiration. Our highest aspiration ought to be peace with God.
Though peace among those who are restored to God ought to be normative and peaceful living in the world should be practiced in every way possible, the emphasis of peace throughout Scripture is between God and man. Paul, in Ephesians, tells us to shod our “feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). The gospel of peace is the good news of the reconciliation of God and His people.
This means we are prepared to proclaim the gospel, calling people to repentance and faith as God’s representatives in this world. The way we make peace is by seeking to reconcile men to God by urging them to place their faith in Christ.
My question then becomes, “Is this the kind of peacemaking Jesus is talking about here?” This very same beatitude answers the question.
Sons of God
Who are the ones doing the peacemaking? They are sons of God. This gives the context for their motivation and goal. They are making peace because they have experienced peace themselves. They already possess the peace which they are attempting to bring others into.
Can there be any greater peace than to be considered a son of God? Of course not! We all were born as enemies of God and direct recipients of His coming wrath. Because of Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf we have been adopted into God’s family as children and coheirs with Christ. The almighty was our judge and enemy. Now He is our Father. There is no greater peace than this. And those of us who have experienced it long for others to taste it as well.
We care about peace between nations and social peace between people. Who doesn’t? But that is not primary. The kind of peace this beatitude is speaking of is peace and reconciliation with God, which only the saints can proclaim, because only they have it. Ultimately, of course, the more people are at peace with God the more they will be at peace with one another. But you cannot have the latter without the former.
“His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!” (Helen Howarth Lemmel, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus)
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