The Cost of Peace

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

      Filled with peace of God and able to stand and be honest about the things around them the Peacemaker is truly beautiful. They are able to be honest about the state of affairs whether in their personal life or the world around them and sensitive to those with whom they are dealing. However, they refuse to settle for cheap peace and will not cry out “peace, peace” when there is none. They are willing to risk being attacked, misunderstood, and hurt for the sake of peace. A Peacemaker knows that sometimes you have to stand your ground and fight for peace.

      Jesus is the supreme example of being a Peacemaker. Paul tells us,

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:19-20

      Did you see that?

“Having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

     When Jesus saw the depravity of man and the seriousness of the situation, He didn’t pretend everything was alright and go on His way. It would take a bold move, a costly sacrifice to bring sinful man back to right standing with the Father and Jesus was moved to action. He is our peace, he has broken down the wall of separation between God and man.

      In our world there are many “walls of separation” that hinder peace. By their very definition those walls keep the two parties from doing what is necessary to heal the wounds and come together. The pride of men rises up and casts a shadow over the battlefield as each new offence is revisited time and time again until those wounds harden our hearts and consume any hope of reconciliation.

      The only hope is for someone that will leave their comfort zone, humble themselves, and become the healing salve that bridges the gap between the warring parties. We see the need all around us. Husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, families, neighbors, gangs, religions, races, the list could go on and on. This world is filled with prideful men and women that have fallen deep into the pit of pride and conflict. We are destroying ourselves for lack of a Peacemaker.

      On that early morning when the shepherds heard the Heavenly choir singing,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

     It was to herald the dawn of a new day. The day when the Prince of Peace would boldly step into the conflict and fight for peace. He would endure the insults, the attacks, the lies, and even the cross so that we might once again have a way into the Throne Room of God. He became that living way by dying to self and embracing the purpose of reconciliation.

      If we are to follow Jesus, we must embrace that same purpose. It is the way! It is Truth! It is life!