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[Editor's Note: This is part three of a three-part article by Dr. James Barnes]
II Cor. 5 says Christ gave us a ministry of reconciliation, that is peacemaking. We are God's Peace Corps. If I am a peacemaker, what do I do? First, be sure to make peace with God yourself. Eph. 6:16 says we are to shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. We come to God to get peace but we have to be careful to maintain that peace. Everytime there is sin in our lives, that peace is interrupted. We must be sensitive to sin and confess it so we can maintain peace.
Second, help others make peace with God. Evangelism is peacemaking. The best way to be a peacemaker is to preach the gospel of peace so others can have peace. If you really want to be a peacemaker, tell someone about Christ.
Third, make peace with men. Peacemakers build bridges between people. God doesn't want folks coming to church and worshiping him if they have something against someone else. In Mt. 5 Jesus talks about how we should love our enemies. Why? Because then we prove we are 'sons of our Father.' We will show that we are sons of God if we make peace even with our enemies. Paul adds in Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Mk. 9:50 says be at peace with one another. I think that also includes being at peace with your spouse. Surely, two people who love one another can always find some point of agreement. They will if they are peacemakers. Lastly, the merit of peace. What are the results of being a peacemaker? The beatitude says, "I shall be called 'a son of God."
I am glad I am a Barnes, but even though I love being a Barnes, I love more being a son of God. The Greek word "huios" for sons is not the word meaning children. The word "tekna," meaning children, speaks of tender affection. Huios speaks of dignity, honor and standing. God is saying that He loves me more than anything else he has created. Why? Because I am his son. The Bible says I am the apple of his eye. The Hebrew word for apple of the eye was the pupil. The most vulnerable part of the eye. My wife has one eye that is close to being blind. To protect that remaining good eye she wears glasses. It needs to be protected, to be shielded from anything that approaches it. God is saying that is how I feel about my children. If you touch one of his children, you've poked your finger in God's eye.
Malachi 3:17 says we are his jewels. Isa. 56:5 says that he will give us an everlasting name. Ps. 56:8 says he keeps our tears in his bottle. An old Hebrew custom when you cried over something was to store your tears in a bottle so people would know how you sorrowed. God keeps our tears in His bottle so that He'll know all the sorrow we have been through. We really matter to God.
We are his sons. He makes us princes, kings, priests, fellow heirs. He calls us majestic ones, a vessel for honor. Revelation says we shall get to sit with him on his throne. Like children jumping up on the lap of a father. I like the words to this song: Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail; One still loves and cares for you, one who will not fail. Though the sky is dark and drear, fierce and strong the gale, just remember he is near and he will not fail. Think about it. God has a personal eternal love for you.
He bears your weaknesses and your sin. He accepts your imperfect service. He provides for your every need. He shields you from danger. He reveals to you your eternal worth. He forgives you and keeps forgiving your every sin.
He makes you an heir to all that he created. He works everything to your good. He keeps you from perishing forever. He gives you heaven. You can tell such is a son of God for he or she is a peacemaker. Blessed are the peacemakers. Theirs is the kingdom of God. They shall be comforted.
They shall inherit the earth. They shall be satisfied. They shall receive mercy. They shall see God. They shall be called the sons of God.
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Dr. James Barnes has pastored the White Memorial Church in Milroy for 25 years. The church is located on 68 S. Main St., Milroy.