Historians Will and Ariel Durant have stated that out of the last 3,400 years of recorded human history, only 268 of those years have been absent of warfare or conflict. Imagine that! Only 268 out of 3,400 years! That’s not even 8% of the time! This means that for more than 92% of human history we’ve been at each other’s throats, -- in some way or another. The truth is, “peace” is the exception rather than the rule in human life. 

The seventh beatitude of Jesus may be the most difficult one of all. This beatitude, which I will be preaching on this Sunday, October 25, calls us to be “peacemakers” in a chaotic and conflicted world. And, quite frankly, that can be hard for us to do. 

I love the story of a man named Alvin Straight. A few years back, Alvin did exactly the kind of thing that Jesus is talking about. It’s the kind of thing that Jesus really blesses. Alvin was an elderly World War II veteran, who had experienced a falling out with his brother Lyle. As a result, the two men hadn’t spoken for more than ten years. One day, Alvin got word that Lyle had suffered a stroke. And so, Alvin decided right then and there to “bury the hatchet,” and go see his ailing brother before it was too late. There was just one problem. Alvin lived in Iowa and Lyle lived in Wisconsin, – which was some 300 miles away! And, Alvin wasn’t exactly in the best of shape himself. He had bad hips and required two canes just to get around. And because of his failing eyesight, Alvin was unable to get a driver’s license. He was also too proud to accept a ride from anybody!

So, with no other options, 73 year-old Alvin climbed aboard his 1966 John Deere riding lawn-mower. He hooked up a little trailer behind it. And, at the breakneck speed of 5 mph, he set out on a six-week journey to Wisconsin to go and make peace with his brother. Crazy? Oh, yeah! Living God’s way in a sinful world always is. 

So, where does a guy like Alvin get the gumption to undertake such an audacious journey? 300 miles on a lawnmower! Where do any of us get the strength to be reconcilers and do the hard work of peacemaking with so much hate and hurt around us? Jesus says it’s going to come through Him! And, then from Him into others. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

As I said, please join us in worship this Sunday in person or online at 8:00 am and 10:30 am, as I continue my sermon series on the beatitudes of Jesus from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Pastor John