In the modern world, the Nobel Peace Prize stands as the pinnacle of human achievement. Awarded annually to those who have done the most to foster fraternity between nations, reduce standing armies, or promote peace congresses, it carries immense prestige. For the recipient, the reward is often a mixture of global acclaim, significant speaking fees, and a lasting place in history. Yet, as distinguished as this earthly honour is, it remains a temporary one. Every recipient, from presidents to activists, eventually passes from the scene, and their influence—while significant—is finite.
There exists, however, a far greater calling and a more enduring reward. It is a vocation that does not require the approval of a committee in Oslo or the reduction of physical armaments. It is the biblical calling of the peacemaker. As recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
To understand the weight of this promise, one must look beyond the surface-level definition of peace and explore the profound spiritual way of life it demands.
Beyond the Absence of Conflict: The Meaning of Shalom
In Western culture, we often define peace as a passive state—the absence of noise, the cessation of war, or a period of tranquility. This concept is reflected in the Greek word eirene. While valid, it represents only a fraction of the biblical concept of peace.
The Hebrew word used throughout the Old Testament is Shalom. Rather than a passive state, Shalom is a robust, active term signifying healthiness, completeness, and the intactness of a community. It is a sense of well-being that requires action. For example, in Genesis 29:6, when Jacob asks shepherds if his uncle Laban is “well,” the word used is Shalom. He isn’t asking if Laban is merely not fighting anyone; he is asking if his life is complete and flourishing.
True peacemaking, therefore, is not about building walls to separate conflicting parties. While the world often seeks peace through separation—sending “fractious kids” to different rooms or creating borders between nations—God’s peace builds bridges. It seeks the active well-being of the other person and the restoration of relationships.
The Blueprint for a Peaceable Kingdom
The vision of future peace provided in scripture is one of total transformation. The prophets describe a time when the “government of God” will be established under Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
This government is characterized by “equity.” In a modern legal sense, equity refers to fairness, but in the original Hebrew context, it describes a path that is flat and straightforward—one that is easy for a person to follow without the “mountainous” obstacles of injustice or confusion.
This future era, often called the Millennium, promises a change so fundamental that even the nature of animals is altered. Isaiah 11:6 describes the wolf dwelling with the lamb and the leopard lying down with the goat. This is a world where “nothing shall hurt nor destroy,” and the earth is full of the knowledge of the Eternal as the waters cover the sea.
Peacemaking in a Hostile World: The Present Challenge
While the vision of the future is inspiring, the instructions for peacemaking are for the “here and now.” The Beatitudes were not written for a perfect world, but for believers living in the 21st century—under complex governments and within fractious societies.
The challenge of the peacemaker is that they are called to work in a hostile environment. Jesus noted that His first coming would not immediately bring universal peace, but would sometimes result in conflict even within households (Matthew 10:34-35). In this environment, the peacemaker must learn their craft.
Practical peacemaking involves several key disciplines:
- Prioritizing Reconciliation: The command in Matthew 5:23-24 is clear: if you are at the altar and remember a grievance with a brother, leave your gift. Reconciliation takes precedence over religious ritual.
- Loving the Enemy: Human nature suggests loving neighbors and hating enemies. The divine standard, however, is to pray for those who persecute you. This changes the perspective from wishing for an enemy’s demise to seeking their potential as a future son or daughter of God.
- Active Honesty: As Zechariah 8:16 states, “Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.” Peace cannot be built on falsehood or the avoidance of issues; it must be grounded in truth and justice.
The Ultimate Reward
The distinction between the Nobel Peace Prize and the biblical calling of a peacemaker lies in the source and nature of the reward. One is granted by men and offers earthly acclaim; the other is granted by the Creator and offers “sonship.”
Becoming a “son of God” is a position that cannot be purchased or earned through physical possessions. It is a gift extended through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is the standard held out for the family of God—to be perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
By living as peacemakers today, we are training for a future role in a kingdom to come. We are learning to see others not as problems to be solved or enemies to be avoided, but as potential members of an eternal family. This is the peace of God which “passes all understanding”—a peace that guards the heart and mind, providing quietness and assurance forever.