Harmony From Heaven

 

 

 

TITLE: Harmony From Heaven

TEXT: Matthew 5:8

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to be biblical peacemakers.

TEACH: King Hezekiah of Judah ruled Jerusalem during turbulent times when mighty Assyria, under King Sennacherib, sought to expand its empire through conquest and military might. Sennacherib, know for his ruthless and ambition, waged war across the region, capturing fortresses and imposing war across the region, capturing fortresses and imposing fear. When he set his sights on Jerusalem, Hezekiah, despite being a devout and faithful leader, found his kingdom under siege. Unlike his adversary, Hezekiah did not desire war; he sought divine guidance and peace in the face of such overwhelming aggression. Faced with insurmountable odds, Hezekiah prayed fervently to God, hoping to save his people without bloodshed.

 

The outcome of this dramatic encounter revealed the power of faith and the effectiveness of righteous leadership. As the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem, an angel, as recounted in the biblical narrative, struck down a significant portion of Sennacherib’s forces, leading to a miraculous deliverance of the city. Sennacherib humiliated and defeated, retreated to Assyria, where he soon met his end at the hands of his own sons. Hezekiah’s reliance on peace and divine intervention over brute force not only saved Jerusalem but also demonstrated that seeking righteousness can lead to profound and unexpected outcomes.

 

TRUTH: “The verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of ‘the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” It is well that we should understand this. We are to be “first pure, then peaceable.” Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or an alliance with that which is evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is contrary to God and His holiness. That bring in our souls a settled matter, we can go onto peace towards men” (Charles Spurgeon, Sermon: The Peacemaker, Dec. 1861, Metro Tab).

 

Biblical peacemaking is a multi-faceted endeavor deeply rooted in the theology of the Gospel. It is not merely a sociological or psychological endeavor, but a theological act grounded in the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. This sermon explores the theological foundations of biblical peacemaking, the practical outworkings of this divine mandate, and the transformative blessings realized through its implementation.

 

I.   The Theological Foundations of Biblical Peacemaking.

Rooted in the character of God: Peacemaking begins with the understanding that peace is intrinsic to the very nature of God. This is seen in the biblical concept of “Shalom,” which implies completeness, welfare, and harmony. The God of the Bible is described as the “God of peace” (Rom.15:33: 1Thess.5:23). His kingdom is one of peace (Isa. 9:6-7), and He desires His creature to live in harmonious relationships reflecting His character.

 

Manifested in the Work of Christ: The Gospel, at its core, is the Good News of reconciliation brought through Christ’s atoning work. The incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Christ are central to biblical peacemaking. Chris is our peace, who has made both Jews and Gentiles one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility (Eph. 2:14-18). In Him, the alienated are reconciled to God and to each other.

 

Empowered by the Indwelling of the Spirit: It is through the Spirit that believers are guided and equipped to pursue reconciliation and justice in alignment with God’s will. The Holy Spirit works within individuals to transform hearts and minds, instilling qualities such as love, patience, kindness and self-control. By fostering a deeper understanding of Christ’s teachings and enabling believers to embody the fruits of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit facilitates genuine repentance, forgiveness and empathy which are crucial for mending relationships and building peaceful communities.

 

Entrusted to the Church: The Church us called to be living testimony to the peace that Christ’s brings. We are recipients of peace and minsters of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:18-19).

 

Illustration: Abraham and Lot: In Genesis 13, a conflict arises between the herdsman of Abram and his nephew Lot over grazing land. Rather, than allowing the dispute to escalate, Abraham takes the initiative to make peace. He gives Lot the choice of land, saying, “Let there be no stride between you and me…because we are relatives” (Gen. 3:18). This act of humility and generosity exemplifies peacemaking by putting relationships first and demonstrating selflessness.

 

Application: Consider others more important than yourself.

 

II.                         The Practical Outworkings of Biblical Peacemaking

Personal Transformation and Sanctification: The process of peacemaking begins with the individual believer. A heart transformed by grace is essential. We are to embody Christ humility and to live incarnationally.

 

Pursing Peace in Interpersonal Relationships: The New Testament is replete with exhortations to live at peace with others. Romans 12:18 admonishes believers: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Peacemaking involves practical steps such as honest communication (Eph. 4:15), forgiveness (Col. 3:13), and seeking reconciliation (Matt. 18:15-17). “Without this all falls apart. Peace is girdle that ties together members in a family. It is a golden clasp that knits them together that they do not fall to pieces. It is not the decorations that make a house pleasant, but a peaceful disposition in the home” (Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, pg. 222).

 

Peacemaking within the Church Community: The unity of the church is a vital witness to the reconciling power of the Gospel. Paul’s letters often address conflicts within the early church, urging reconciliation and unity (Phil. 4:2-3; 1Cor.1:10). Leaders within the church are called to shepherd their flocks towards peace (Heb. 13:17), ensuring that love and justice prevail. Paul wrote, “we must hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). One jarring string of an instrument brings all the music out of tone. One bad member in a church endangers the whole (Watson, pg. 222). Paul wrote, “Be at peace among yourselves”

 

Engagement with the Broader Society: Christians are called to be peacemakers in the world at large. The church’s mission extends beyond its walls into a fallen world in desperate need of God’s peace. This involves promoting justice and advocating for the oppressed (Isa. 1:17), seeking the welfare of the city (Jer.29:7), and living out the ethics of the kingdom in every sphere of life. Peace is the best blessing of a nation…

 

Illustration: Joseph and His Brothers: In Genesis 45, after being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph rises to power in Egypt. When his brother come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph has the power to exact revenge but chooses instead to reveal his identity and forgive them. He comforts them by saying, “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). Joseph’s ability to see God’s hand in his suffering allows him to extend grace and reconcile with his brothers.

 

Application: Don’t just look after your own interest but look after the interest of others.

 

III.                      Transformative Blessings of Biblical Peacemaking.

Experiencing God’s blessed assurance: Peacemakers are promised the blessedness of being call “children of God.” This intimate relationship encompasses God’s favor, guidance, and ultimate joy.

 

Enhancing Church Unity and Witness: The practical outworking of peacemaking within the church fosters a spirit of unity that is crucial for its mission. Psalm 133:1reveals that beauty and divine blessing where these is unity amongst God’s people. Such harmony strengthens the Church’s credibility and effectiveness in its witness to the world (Jn. 13:35).

 

Contributing to a more just and peaceful society: Biblical peacemaking has a transformative impact beyond the church, offering solutions and hope to a broken world. Micah 6:8 sums this mandate well: “He has shown you, O mortal man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God.”  

 

Bearing witness to your adoption: We now have God as our Father, Christ as our brother, and the Spirit as our Comforter.

 

Illustration: David and Saul: The relationship between David and King Saul is fraught with jealousy and violence. Despite Saul’s repeated attempts to kill him, David refuses to harm Saul when given the opportunity. In 1 Sam. 24, David cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe but spares his life, later showing Saul the piece of robe to prove his loyalty and desire for peace. David’s respect for God’s anointed king and his refusal to retaliate models peacemaking as an act of mercy and respect for God’s authority.

 

Application: Humble yourself by becoming obedient to biblical peacemaking. Wilhelmus A Brakel wrote, “Love your neighbor, humility and meeknesss will beget peaceableness” (Wilhelmus Brakel, The Christian in Reasonable Service, pg. 91).

 

Take-Away: Biblical peacemaking is a theological imperative that invites believers to participate in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It is grounded in the character of God and the saving work of Christ. Furthermore, in mandates believers to be agents of reconciliation in their personal lives, within the church and in the broader society. The manifold blessing of peacemaking includes experiencing God’s nearness, fostering church unity and contributing to global justice and peace. As children of God, Christians are called to embody and extend the peace of Christ, bearing witness to the ultimate reconciliation that He brings.

 

Lastly, remember, if peacemakers are blessed, then peacebreakers are cursed.

 

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