Blessed Are The Peacemakers Series

Text: Matthew 5:1 thru 9

While driving down the road during the summer months we can easily see miracle after miracle. With every field of corn, wheat or soybean, we can see miracles taking place.

If we take a small seed and put it under several inches of dirt, and give it enough water, enough light, and the right amount of fertilizer, we will see a miracle. It will not matter that the ground is many times heavier than the seed. In a few days that tiny seed will push it’s way through the topsoil and grow into a vegetable.

Therefore, never underestimate the power of a seed.

The Apostle James probably wasn’t a farmer, but he was a great man of wisdom and knowledge. James knew the miraculous power of a seed.

“Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.”

1 James 3:18, LB

The principle for peace is the same as the principle for the farmer’s crops.

Never underestimate the power of a seed.

Illustration:

The story of a man named Heinz is a good example of how God is doing a miracle in folks just like you and me. In 1934, Adolf Hitler was a menace and a threat to peace in our world. There was a plague of anti-Semitism that was spreading rapidly throughout Europe.

Millions of Jewish people were in grave danger. Some would escape it, and some would die from it. But 11 year-old Heinz would learn from it. He would learn the power of sowing seeds of peace.

Young Heinz was a Jew living in the Bavarian village of Furth. Hitler’s thugs were in control. Heinz’s father was a schoolteacher that lost his job because he was Jewish. Many other Jewish families were threatened, but they tried to hold onto their Jewish traditions. Such as: The observance of the Sabbath and Yom Kippur.

The quiet streets of Furth became a battleground for the local families. Hitler’s young thugs roamed the neighborhoods looking for trouble with the Jewish people. Young Heinz learned to keep his eyes open. When he saw a band of troublemakers, he would step to the other side of the street. Sometimes he would escape a fight—sometimes wouldn’t.

One day, in 1934, a confrontation between Heinz and these thugs would forever change the life of Heinz. Heinz found himself face-to-face with a Hitler bully. A beating appeared inevitable. This time, however, he walked away unhurt—not because of what he did, but because of what he said.

Heinz didn’t fight back; that 11 year-old boy spoke up. He convinced the troublemakers that a fight was not necessary. His words of persuasive peace kept the bloody battle from taking place.

Heinz saw firsthand how the tongue can create peace. He learned the skill of using words to avoid conflict. And for a young Jew, caught in the midst of Adolf Hitler’s murderous regime, Heinz had many more opportunities to learn how to be a peacemaker.

Fortunately, Heinz’s family escaped from Bavaria and made their way to America. Eventually young Heinz grew up, his name became synonymous with peace negotiations during the 80’s and 90’s. Somewhere and somehow Heinz learned the power of being a peacemaker. But apparently his training began way back when he was only 11 years old.

Today you would not know this man as Heinz. But you would more likely know him by the name of Henry. Henry Kissinger.

Never underestimate the power of being a “peacemaker”. Jesus knew the power of bringing peace better than anyone, and now He wants you to know it. Being a “peacemaker” change your life.

Question: How good are you at making peace? That is, being a peacemaker?

You may not be called on to settle the differences between the Palestinians and the Nation of Israel,

but each of us have opportunities everyday to do something even more important. And that is to bring the inner peace (of knowing Christ) to troubled hearts.

In the New Testament we can easily see how Jesus modeled this for our lives. Although we don’t see Jesus settling many disputes or negotiating any international conflicts. We do see Him creating/causing harmony to take place in people’s lives through His acts of love:

1. Washing the feet of a man named, Judas. Even though He knew Judas would betray Him.

2. Having lunch with a corrupt tax official named, Matthew

3. Honoring the sinful woman named Mary Magdalene when everyone she knew had scorned her and was ready to sentenced her to be stoned to death.

This life of peace that Christ lived is what we need.

Question:

Who is it (that comes to your mind) that needs peace in their lives?

You may be the only “Peacemaker” they know…these people need a miracle to take place in their lives, and you may be just the person God wants to use…