Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22–22:5; John 5:1–9
Introduction
Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be unto you.
What does it mean to be a peacemaker in a world that often feels at war—politically, economically, emotionally, even spiritually?
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, gives us a beatitude we often quote but seldom unpack:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”(Matthew 5:9)
But what does "Peacemaking" mean—biblically, practically, and personally?
Let us understand that Peacemaking is not the same as Peacekeeping or Peaceloving. Peacekeeping or peaceloving avoids conflict, but peacemaking resolves and transforms it.
From a social science perspective, peacemaking refers to actions that promote conflict resolution, reconciliation, and community restoration. It involves communication, empathy, and the right structures.
Think of a society emerging from civil war: peace is not just treaties, its essence germinates economic rebuilding, and community healing.
According to Elise Boulding, “There can be no peace without the people. Peacemaking must be rooted in everyday life.” This echoes the truth that peacemaking starts not in palaces but in the hearts of the people, which is the home.
The Hebrew word 'shalom' means more than the absence of war. It actually means wholeness, soundness, completeness, flourishing, and calm.
Cornelius Plantinga puts it, “Shalom [peace] is the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight.”
Peacemaking is an active partnership with God in restoring broken relationships, healing wounded hearts, and bringing justice where there is oppression.
In Psalm 67:1, we hear the psalmist reechoing the blessing God charged Aaron and his sons to pronounce on His people:
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us"
The psalmist further gave the implication of this blessing, saying:
"So that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation power among all nations.” (Psalm 67:2)
This is a proclamation of peace that flows from God to the nations. Child of God, God's blessing is not just for us, it is for the healing of the world, the restoration of His grace and peace.
The Vision of Ultimate Peace
John is shown the "New Jerusalem" —not a city of trouble but of peace. There is no temple, because God and the Lamb are its temple. The tree of life in the city, and the leaves are for the healing of the nations. No more curses on the nation. "No need of lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light."
This is the restoration of the original plan of God for humanity (cf. Gen. 1-2), a culmination of all peacemaking, a world restored to God's shalom.
What would it look like in your own life if this kind of healing flowed through you to others?
Peacemaking at Bethesda
At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus finds a man who has been sick for 38 years. Jesus asks, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6). That question from Jesus may sound ambiguous, but oftentimes we get so accustomed to brokenness that we fear healing.
Jesus doesn't wait for the water to stir; He stirs the man’s faith and says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)
Peacemaking begins with the willingness to be made well and to help others find that wellness. Our willing heart for wholeness and soundness of the body stirs up our faith into action.
Jesus makes peace with a troubled body, a broken spirit, a disturbed soul, and a rejected and unattended being for thirty-eight years.
Living as Peacemakers
A. Peacemaking in Relationships
The Apostle Paul reminds us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
Peacemaking in a relationship might mean the courage to forgive or the humility to ask forgiveness. It may be the need to own up to responsibilities between yourself and others.
Child of God, "Is there someone in your life you're avoiding because reconciliation feels hard?"
B. Peacemaking in Communities
In times of social unrest or division, Christian peacemakers build bridges to harness community peace. We listen across divides. We speak truth in love, not just to be right but to bring the light of Christ.
Jesus called for oneness for us, indicating that, in our peaceful coexistence then the world will know that God is our Father (cf. John 17:20-23).
Who is God calling you to talk to, not for comfort but for courage?
C. Peacemaking in the World
Psalm 67 calls for God’s way to be known on earth, His power among all nations. This challenges the Church to advocate for justice, to stand with the vulnerable, to sow seeds of peace through acts of love and mercy.
Remember what Jesus left for us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27)
We should listen not to argue, but to understand. Peace begins when people feel heard. As peacemakers, we do not walk with prejudice but with fairness, in compassion.
We speak truth in love, not silence in fear. Understand that peacemaking involves risk and sacrifice.
"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."(John 3:19)
Conclusion
The call to peacemaking is not a suggestion but an identity. Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who love peace.” He said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”(Matt. 5:9)
So let us live as people of the New Jerusalem, letting God's peace heal us, flow through us, and transform our world.
Amen.
SHALOM ALEIKHEM...
