Are You A Peacemaker Or Peacekeeper

The Greek language, of which the N.T. is written in, includes the idea of rest and to agree upon certain terms. On the other hand, the Hebrew language, and Jesus was a Hebrew, has the idea of everything that makes for a person’s highest good. English would say we don’t have trouble with another person, but the Hebrew emphasis would mean that the relationship is loving.”

His point is well made. The peace that Jesus is talking about is more than the absence of strife and conflict. Let me suggest this morning: (Slide 10) The peace that Jesus calls us to make as His followers is a peace that reconciles people to God and to one another.

What does reconcile mean? I think that this story might help.

Smith and Jones were “on the outs” over a very trivial matter. This deeply concerned Deacon Brown. So he prayed that he might be a peacemaker. He called on Smith and asked, “What do you think of Jones?” “He’s the meanest crank in the neighborhood!” said Smith. “But,” said Deacon Brown, “you have to admit that he’s very kind to his family.”

The next day Deacon Brown went to Jones and inquired, “Do you know what Smith said about you?” “No,” said Jones, “but I can imagine how that scamp would lie about me!” “This may surprise you,” said Deacon Brown, “but he said you’re very kind to your family.” “What! Did Smith say that?” “Yes, he did.” “Well, if you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

“What do you think of Smith?” asked Brown. “Truthfully, I believe he’s a lowdown scalawag,” said Jones. “But you have to admit that he’s very honest in business,” said Deacon Brown. “Yes, there’s no getting around that; in business he’s a man you can trust,” agreed Jones.

The next day Deacon Brown called on Smith again. “You know what Jones said about you? He claims you’re a fellow that really can be trusted in business, and that you’re scrupulously honest.” “You mean it?” asked Smith. “Yes, I do,” said Deacon Brown. “Well of all things,” replied Smith with a happy smile.

The next Sunday the former “enemies” nodded to each other. Deacon Brown continued his “meddling” until the next annual business meeting of the church when Smith and Jones shook hands and finally voted on the same side!’

Deacon Brown took a risk. He could have ended up in conflict Deacons Jones and Smith.

Now maybe some of us this morning think that Brown had absolutely no business getting involved in the situation. Or, maybe the preacher should have done something. Maybe the preacher did not know something was wrong.

The Lord has called us all to be peacemakers and in doing so, we are going to face situations that require no else but ourselves to step in and ‘meddle’ in love. Why? Because we have the credibility and the relationship with whomever to try, with God’s help, to make peace.

Let me suggest this morning a couple of things about peacemaking we can learn from Deacon Brown.

(Slide 11) If we are concerned about a relationship then perhaps, that is God’s call to engage in peacemaking.

Deacon Brown was concerned about the rift between Jones and Smith. He was concerned (reading between the lines here) about what impact the rift may have on others and their church as well.