I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:8). To the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, He said, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:50). In the Old Testament the “peace offering” is called the “salvation offering.” The author of Hebrews encourages us with these words. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
In light of this, many of us struggle with this statement of Jesus to His disciples, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Jesus’ statement must be seen in the context of “ministry.” The imagery of this ministry is “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). This does not sound peaceful. Jesus climaxes the Beatitudes with a blessing on those who are being persecuted for purity’s sake (Matthew 5:10). This does not sound peaceful. Jesus clearly says that His proposal is not peace at any cost. When perfect love comes to a world of perfect hate, one can expect conflict. When purity is present in a wicked situation, one can expect conflict. War will be declared; but our state must be one of peace in the midst of war. Let us cling to Jesus as conflict rages until His peace dominates our world. I am a Jesus pusher!!!