“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…the Lord has bared His holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God…Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.” (Isaiah 52:7, 10, 13)
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom He is pleased!'” (Luke 2:10-14)
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” – Jesus (John 12:32)
The good news is that God has provided peace through Jesus and His death on the cross for all people. Today let us celebrate the wonderful provision of God before we leave this call to peace. We are reminded in Scripture that this peace has been His plan from the day we rebelled against Him. The prophets were preaching the good news of the Savior to come long before the manger in Bethlehem. He would bring peace and joy as the Messiah of all people. The angels sang of the good news to the shepherds…the awaited Messiah…the Savior, was born! God had not forgotten His plan!
“When I am lifted up”
But, the plan was not just for Jesus to come to Bethlehem. He came there en route to Jerusalem where He would be “lifted up”, according to Isaiah. Jesus referred to this when He talked to His disciples about His death on the cross. The manger was not His destination.
“When I am lifted up”
The cross was the ultimate demonstration of the love of God…the necessary instrument of the salvation of God…and the only pathway to our peace with God.
“When I am lifted up”
This is, therefore, our calling as peacemakers…to lift up Jesus. He is the fulfillment of God’s great plan to redeem this world to Himself. It is through the cross that all “people” of all nations can find peace with God. We can come home! This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! This is the Joy of a restored fellowship with our heavenly Father!
So, if we are to be peacemakers, we must lift up Jesus so that He might draw people to Himself. This is the beginning of peace on earth. Before we can find peace with each other we must first find peace with God.
“When I am lifted up”
Today, what can you do to lift up Jesus? An encouraging word? Extending forgiveness? Sharing what Jesus means to you? Isaiah said, “How beautiful the feet of those who bring the good news”.
In other words, “Blessed are the peacemakers”