Matthew 5:9

Kunle Olabode encourages us to pursue peace

Kunle Olabode

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9)

A central theme of the Bible and God's work upon mankind, is that of restoration; gaining things that had been previously lost. Principal among the things that God restores to those who trust him by faith in the Lord Jesus is a new relationship and peace with God (Romans 5:1). God also restores people's failing health (as in the woman who had issue of blood for 12 years, Luke 8:43-44), material fortunes and things that the devil steals from them, (as in the case of Job, Job 42:12-17); glorious restoration is part of the abundant life package which Jesus Christ offers (John 10:10).

As part of the expression and manifestation of human imperfections, offenses do arise between individuals and people groups, resulting in severed relationships. Whenever such offenses arise, peace is often 'set on the run'. It must be appreciated that without peace individuals, families, communities and nations will be losers. God is interested for people and nations to be at peace with each other; he therefore also restores broken and hurtful relationships. Little wonder Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). As indicated in the lead verse under consideration, God actually blesses those who work for peace (the peace makers).

The Bible encourages heaven bound believers to follow and pursue after peace with all men through forgiveness and the ministry of reconciliation. Our Lord Jesus affirms that all who are God's children must also be peacemakers - those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties, and to prevent hostilities in families and neighbourhoods (Proverbs 6:19). In this regard, believers and the world at large can learn from the biblical examples of the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:21-24), Joseph (Gen 45:1-8), Paul and John Mark (Acts 12:25, 13:13, 15:35-39, 2 Tim 4:11), Euodias and Syntyche (Phil 4:2-3).

We must also celebrate worthy examples such as the recent visit of Her Majesty the Queen to Northern Ireland and the reconciliatory handshake she had with the former commander of the IRA, Martin McGuinness.

The reality of glorious restoration means that no matter what may have gone wrong in the relationships we need to keep, the Lord is able to make them right (and better) again. Glorious restoration affirms God's mercies in correcting things that have gone wrong in the lives of his people and creation. Restoration speaks of a second chance and new opportunities to get things right and to follow the path of improvement and recovery rather than a continuation in a negative situation.

Shalom!