The Mourning Peacemaker

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus took his followers up on a mount and taught them. The entry is labelled, “The Sermon on the Mount.” Within this teaching we find “The Beattitudes.” The Beattitudes are a list of character traits that Jesus desired his followers to incorporate in their life. He states that those who take on these character traits will be blessed.

I would like to focus on two of these that function together. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Surely Jesus is not desiring followers to be sad as if mourning the passing of a loved one. I believe what he desires is a mournful approach to sin in the world and people dying in their sin being lost to hell.

Until your heart is truly touched by the millions of people entering eternity with no hope of heaven, how will you ever be an effective follower of Christ? Jesus mourned over the sin of all men, so much so that he gave his very life that man might have hope and redemption. Followers are to model their lives after Jesus. Seeing the world in its sinful state should bring followers to tears knowing people who fail to repent will experience hell.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Again when we first consider this verse concerning peacemakers we think of people like President Jimmy Carter who brokered peace in the Middle East with Israel and Egypt.

Jesus is speaking more of the individual who brings peace to the sinners life. The one who shares hope and the redemption story that the sinner might be reconciled with God. Jesus brokered perfect peace through the work he completed on the cross. His dying as a sacrificial offering for man’s sin provide the bridge required for man to once again have a relationship with God.

If we truly mourn sin we will bring peace to the world by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you ever had a friend or family member die and you encounter others with a similar terminal condition your heart naturally breaks for them. If we were given the cure for their illness how could you keep it to yourself. That would be an act of pure hatred.

Knowing that man is destined for hell due to sin, how can you refuse to share the gift of God’s mercy and grace that has been freely given to you? There are people only you can reach for Jesus failing to do so could cause thousands to miss the opportunity to come to Jesus. I encourage you to become a Mournful Peacemaker.

If you are reading this and have never given your life to Jesus please read the following: