“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Mathew 5:9
Introduction
In 1915 Moina Michael wrote a poem which says: We cherish too, the Poppy red… That grows on fields where valor led… It seems to signal to the skies…That blood of heroes never dies…
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time when we, as a nation, pause to remember those who have given all for the cause of freedom. More than that, it is a time when we reflect, as a people, on the cost of freedom. Today, let us remember, honor, and learn from the heroes who have secured our freedom… some of whom gave all…
Illustration
Jay Fondren is a recent hero. When my wife Christina was an auditor for the Department of Veterans she met Jay in a Veteran’s Regional Office in Waco, Texas. She was conducting interviews to determine the timeliness of transition between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for combat wounded veterans.
Jay had recently recovered from injuries he received in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Jay lost one leg just above the knee, the other just below the hip, and his thumb. Not to mention internal injuries too. While Jay was a little boy, his grandfather W. J. Fondren taught him to salute and march.
This was great fun, for that grandfather was a retired Master Sergeant from the Army Air Force. Jay and his sisters would march around the grandparent’s house wearing his army caps, marching and saluting.
Jay joined the army in January 2000. He did his Basic Training at Ft. Sill, Ok. He served with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Calvary Division, out of Ft. Hood. Jay was injured the day before Thanksgiving, 2004.
His body has changed, his spirit has not. He is still loving and thoughtful, alert and witty, brave and loyal, positive and faithful. Jay is working hard and looking forward to rehab and a bright future.
Jay has a new mission in life…to be an advocate and educator for veterans. To walk along side of someone as they rejoin their families and friends after being a witness to the horrific events that take place in war.
This literally starts with baby steps as he learns to walk again with artificial legs. Jay has a passion that without the peace and comfort of Jesus Christ he would not be able to be a father to his two small children or a husband to his wife.
Jay faithfully follows the Lord. While we learn much from his example of bravery and courage in battle, we can learn even more from his commitment for the future. Jay is hero not only for what he has done, but even more, because of what he is doing.
For his bravery in combat Jay received the Bronze Star along with the Purple Heart for combat injuries. For his continued bravery in life, Jay has earned the respect and admiration of many.
Even though Jay is wounded and to look at him is a constant reminder of the wounds which were inflicted upon him in battle, Jay is a wounded warrior. Jay is still a peacemaker in this world. There is much that we can learn from his example and bravery to continue to be a peacemaker in a world which is filled with strife at seemingly every turn.
Be Peacemakers
Just as Jay Fondren served in our Armed Forces as a peacemaker, so too, we ought to serve as peacemakers in our lives. Let us learn from his example and sacrifice.
Let us learn from is example and then put what we learn into action. Let me share with you two areas of life where we are wounded and then how… as wounded warriors – wounded worshippers – we can experience the grace of God as we participate with God as peacemakers.
So many of us carry deep wounds from the battles of this life, we are all in a very real sense, wounded worshippers – worshipping a God of healing and restoration. During Jesus earthly ministry, he was busy bringing healing and he is still healing lives to this very day.
Matthew 4:23 says, “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” (ESV)
Families
Many of have been wounded in the battle grounds of our families. For some these wounds were inflicted by a physically abusive parent or spouse. The wounds that these people carry go much deeper than the remembered bruises or scars they still carry. These wounds go deep into the soul.
For others the scars which we carry from the battle that have raged in our families do not show any external sign. We carry our scars as remembered hurtful words which did so much damage to us. Occasionally the evidence of our scars manifests itself in the form of repeated behavior.
They hit us so we hit others. They were tyrannical to us so we, in turn, set standards for others in our lives which are completely beyond reach. We set standards for ourselves which we can never reach… and in the process the cruel cycle of unhealthy – sinful – hurtful behavior continues.
Today let me suggest a better way. Rather than continuing to participate in what may very well be the only behavior you know or were ever taught… instead of allowing the family to be a battle ground… be a peacemaker in your family.
And what better place to start than with your words. Never take for granted the power of words. As a Pastor, I am always reminded of the power of words. Sometimes people even use my words as ammunition against one another, they suppose that my words are influential because of my position as a Minister.
How often in a marriage do we wound one another with words? I’m reminded of the childhood adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” How horribly untrue these words are. Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (ESV)
Illustration
George Morrison wrote this beautiful passage dealing with the dangers of a thoughtless tongue: “One of the first things that make for social peace is a watchful and a charitable silence. No man or woman can ever be a peacemaker who has not learned to put a bridle on his lips.
Every student of Christ must have observed the tremendous emphasis He puts on words. Of every idle word, He tells us, in the day of judgment we are to give account. And if you want to understand aright the passion and the depth of that, you will remember the beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9).
Think of the infinite harm that can be wrought by a malicious or a thoughtless tongue; think of the countless hearts it lacerates; think of the happy friendships which it chills. And sometimes there is not even malice in it—only the foolish desire to be speaking, for evil is wrought by want of thought as well as want of heart.”
Churches
As sad as it is for me to say as a Pastor, the church is often another place that can, and often does, become a battleground. Any time you get imperfect people together, there is bound to be some conflict, some difference of opinion, some trouble that creates quarrels and disagreements and can even lead to bitterness.
Illustration
Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even remember the initial cause of friction … but their hostility had festered through the years. A deeply concerned deacon prayed that God would use him as a peacemaker.
He called on Carl. “What do you think of Sam?” he asked. “He’s the sorriest guy in town!” “But,” countered the deacon, “You have to admit that he’s a hard-working man.” “No one can deny that,” said Carl. “I’ve never known a person who worked harder.”
Next the deacon visited Sam. “Do you know what Carl said about you?” “No, but I can imagine his lies,” he responded angrily. “This may surprise you,” said the deacon, “but he said he’s never known a harder worker.” “He said that?” Sam was stunned. “What do you think of Carl?” asked the deacon. “It is no secret that I have absolutely no use for him.” “But you must admit he’s honest in business,” said the deacon. “There’s no getting around that,” said Sam. “In business he’s a man you can trust.”
Later the deacon met Carl again. “Do you know what Sam said about you? He claims you’re absolutely trustworthy in business, that you are scrupulously honest.” “Well, how ’bout that,” reacted Carl with a smile.
Soon the peacemaking deacon noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously nod in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking hands, talking, even visiting in each other’s homes. Today they are best of friends.
Many people, even church folk, seem to delight in promoting a fight by carrying news of ill-will. Rip this page from a deacon’s peacemaking notebook. It’s a worthy example to follow.
It has been said that the church is not a country club for saints; it’s a hospital for sinners. The church ought to be a place a healing and restoration. We are called, first and foremost to live out a godly example of Christian love and fellowship.
John 13:35 says “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV) The church is a holy hospital… a place where all are welcome to come and feast at the table of mercy and grace.
The Ultimate Peacemaker (conclusion)
Today, we are encouraged to be peacemakers in our own lives by the example of those, like Jay Fondren, who have given much for the sake of peace. We find encouragement to be peacemakers in our inherited families as well as in our church family.
But let us not forget the ultimate peacemaker, who gave his life to secure our peace with God. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
Each of us is a wounded warrior in the battle of life. We don’t have strength enough to fight the battles on our own. But as we surrender our brokenness to God, He will give us the strength to be peacemakers. He makes up the difference between our abilities and the task at hand.
Though we are wounded and sometimes struggle on in spite of ourselves, if we will let Him, he will fill us with the courage to be peacemakers in a world full of battles to fight. He will give us strength for the battles we face daily.
Psalms 140:7, “O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.” (ESV)
Let us pray.
