We should look at peace in a more universal sense through the eyes of the Prince of Peace. Instead of dwelling on what is, we should really be focusing on what will be. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God,” (Matthew 5:9). Jesus is the Son of God, but we are united with Him through immersion to live a new life for Him as sons of God after His likeness (Romans 6:1-7, Philippians 2). We endear ourselves to God when we love Him and want to do His will. Jesus is calling us to seek God’s praise by submitting to His will. James 3:18 encourages, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Doing the Father’s will ultimately means challenging and calling others to go and do likewise –to follow us as we follow Christ. The peace of God, therefore, when fully embraced, is self-propagating. This incredible peace becomes real when we empty ourselves of control and give God control of our lives. We then begin to naturally influence others with a supernatural attitude and lifestyle of peace. We become reconcilers.
The message of the peacemaker, both indirectly by lifestyle and directly by gentle and respectful speech is: “Be reconciled to God,” (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
The word “reconcile” in the New Testament literally means “an exchange.” The idea is that we are exchanging a state of hostility towards God (which had earned His wrath), for a state of peace (which has been graced with His adoption of us).
And in the spirit of Zechariah 3:10, we do not only enjoy the benefits of sitting under our own “vine or fig tree,” each of us rejoice to "invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree.”
Live the life of a peacemaker –make peace your heart’s desire. And while powers of the world and government make promises of peace and safety, remember, there is only one peace that will endure. Be a peacemaker.
Love in Jesus,
George