by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Called to Be Peacemakers

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14 English Standard Version

There is one thing that Christians and non-Christians can agree on: there is little peace on earth. It’s been two months since we have heard the angels sing of peace on earth and good will toward people, yet there has been no change in our world situation. Russia is still at war with Ukraine, China is threatening Taiwan, not to mention the outrageous number of mass shootings in our nation.

It seems like everyone has an idea on how to achieve peace. The funny thing is that the more “right” we feel about how to establish peace, the more we find ourselves at war with people who disagree with us. We might feel that banning guns will bring peace, or we might feel that everyone should wear a side arm to bring peace. These two ideas are so opposed to each other that “wars” are fought over which one is correct.

Is there such a thing as peace on earth, or is it just a pipe dream?

From a biblical perspective, if we are looking at peace as the absence of war, then yes, peace is a dream. But if we understand that through Jesus we have peace with God, then yes, peace is possible on earth, not only possible but a reality for us.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 New International Version

The Son of God is our peacemaker. And through him, God calls the baptized to be peacemakers in a world that is at war with itself and unfortunately will always be at war. However, we are peacemakers because God has established peace with us. It is hard work being a peacemaker and it might feel like an impossible task. Yet as the children of God, it is what we do, leaving the results of our efforts to God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado