The First Peacemaker
Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
The very first peacemaker was God himself. Indeed, in the Bible the Lord is often called “the God of peace.” And when the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he prayed that “the God of peace” would be at work in the lives of the believers there, making them holy inside and out.
The Bible says that in our sinful state we were actually “enemies” of God (see Romans 5:8-10). In our pride and arrogance we had set ourselves against the Lord. But because he is “the God of peace,” our heavenly Father refused to accept the status quo. Instead, God came to live among us to break down the barrier of sin that stood between us. Even though our wrongs were piled deep, God came in his Son, Jesus Christ, to make peace. It’s no surprise, then, that on the night the Prince of Peace was born, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Jesus was God’s peace child.
When we’re cooperating with the Holy Spirit so that peace is developing in our lives, we’ll soon discover that, like our Father, we too begin taking the initiative to break down barriers and repair battered relationships.
In God’s strength we can make the first move in extending peace, reaching out to others with the healing love of Christ.
Thank you, O God, for coming to seek and to save the lost. We’re grateful that you reached out to us in peace through your Son and restored our relationship with you. Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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