Peacemakers - The One Year At His Feet Devotional
Peacemakers
Read: Luke 19:41-44
“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”
Luke 19:42
“All men desire peace, but very few desire the things that make for peace.”
—Thomas à Kempis
IN WORD Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He probably weeps over it even now. Its inhabitants did not know the things that make for peace. Neither does our world today.
What makes for peace? The world thinks it is political agreements, diplomacy, military threats, law enforcement, good psychology, cultural exchanges, education, economic prosperity, and more. And all of these can be good. They can create a superficial absence of conflict. But that absence of conflict can be interrupted by one suicide bomber, one lone gunman, one contentious lawsuit, one harsh word, or one bitter spirit. Even if all the world were to agree that conflict is undesirable in a given situation, one dissenter could set off waves of violence with one small act. No, the key to peace is not political, economic, social, or psychological. It is spiritual. And the Prince of Peace is the One who holds the key.
Real peace involves a change of heart. Contracts can’t do that. Treaties can’t either. Neither can armies, judges, or security guards. The only thing that can change a human heart—really change it—is the gospel of Jesus. It’s the only thing that reconciles a heart to God, and it’s the only thing that fundamentally alters the fallen nature we’re born with.
IN DEED What can you do to create peace on this violent planet? You can try to encourage it, enforce it, legislate it, financially support it, and socially or psychologically orchestrate it. But unless your efforts reach the human heart, you’ve only inhibited conflict, not created peace. To be a real peacemaker, you must introduce people to the only power on the planet that can change a heart from within—Jesus.His Spirit reconciles a person to God and transforms human relationships. Let His Spirit work through you. Be a peacemaker. And you—and your world—will be blessed.
