Network Discipling Ministries

CHILDREN OF PEACE

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil . . . and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace – Ephesians 6:12, 15

Read First: Matthew 5:9

Under a week ago, the lives of 6 families and a sitting member of the United States House of Representatives were permanently changed as a lone gunman opened fire on an unsuspecting crowd at a political rally. In just a few seconds, what was once a quiet town became the scene of morbid chaos and utter confusion, as terrified people were scampering everywhere. PEACE took wings and fled that day, have not yet returned (if it ever will for many), for millions of Americans are still trying to find mental order for this senseless, gruesome act.

The Bible also portrays our heavenly Father as the God of peace for a world in turmoil and gut-wrenching pain (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). In fact, Paul calls Him, in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 the very God of peace—meaning, the one and only God of peace. However, God’s gift of peach—Jesus—was not an act to boost His image, but to save His world that became separated from Him through sin. In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul explains God’s actions in this way:

¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. ²⁰So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20, NRSV

CHRIST IS GOD’S BRIDGE OF PEACE BETWEEN GOD REBELLIOUS HUMANITY (Ephesians 2:13-20).

At the very heart of the peace process between God and sinners is this very intrinsic truth: the reconciled ones have been given a ministry of reconciliation. They are Christ’s ambassador, acting in His place, to continue His kingdom work of reconciling—making peace between—other lost sinners to God. All God’s children will have His disposition of peacefulness. They are peacemakers, just like their Father. Jesus, Himself expressed this truth during His kingdom message on the Mount. He said

⁴³Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven . . .

All those who sincerely strive for the cause of peace in this world have some element of the Father’s character in them; but it is only those who possess the spirit of the life of the Father—made possible through their faith in the cross of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ—are truly able to be God’s emissaries of peace in the world. They are the true peacemakers, who are called blessed in the kingdom of God, and whose feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).

The King is still enlisting Peace Corps volunteers. An eternity of endless opportunities awaits all who choose to sign up. Come! Join God’s Peace Corps now!