Reflection: Living as Peacemakers
There is something unique about the peacemakers mentioned here, for the very next beatitude talks about Christians suffering persecution, which is hardly a peaceful situation! A Christian peacemaker is one who strives to reconcile people back to God by means of the gospel. Ultimate peace is found by faith in Christ alone. The peacemaker strives for this eternal peace for others by sharing the gospel message. Earthly peace would be nice, but in this life it is not guaranteed. As people who have found peace with God through Christ, we are to strive to share his message with others for their eternal peace, no matter how much trouble and persecution we might face in doing so. Jesus gave his life that we might have peace and he calls us to lay down our lives that others may also come to know God as their loving Father through him and find everlasting peace in him. Peacemakers share the message of Christ regardless of the trouble that may get them into. Remember Psalm 120:7!
Are you willing to sacrifice earthly peace that others may hear of God’s message of everlasting peace?
Chaplain Dan Bigg is an Army chaplain serving at RAAF Base Amberley.
Prayer:
Father as we long for peace in a broken world, help us to see that, ultimately, true peace is found in Christ alone. We pray for those we know who don’t know you and ask that, in your mercy, you might give them the eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to receive the message of eternal peace that is free for all who put their trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In his name we pray. Amen