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Jesus was referring to the division that would occur within families over Himself. Many families have been divided since Jesus walked on this planet because one of the members became a Christian.
A great illustration of peacemaking is found in a story involving Aristippus (approx. 435-366 BC) and Aeschines, (approx. 425 - 350 BC), who were Greek philosophers, followers of Socrates, and friends. It is reported that Aristippus and Aeschines had a strong disagreement and then left each other. Later Aristippus returned and asked Aeschines if there could be peace between them. Could they remain friends? Aeschines said that he would like that with all his heart. Then he added that Aristippus was the “worthiest of us. I started the strife and you began the peace.” Aristippus was the peace-seeker - the peacemaker. He sought for it.
The Peacemaker. Who is the real peacemaker? The New Testament says that God is the real peacemaker. God is our example. Read the following passages.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (NASB) Rom. 15:33 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (NASB) Rom. 16:20 . . . and the God of peace will be with you . . . (NASB) Phil 4:9 Now the God of peace . . . (NASB) Heb. 13:20 God is a God of peace. God is interested in peace. True peace comes from Him (2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; and Col 1:2).
Two Types of Peace. There are two types of peace: false peace and real peace. False peace is peace that occurs between men who do not follow Jesus. They are not able to make lasting, real peace since they are controlled by sin. Sinful men and women are not interested in others but only in themselves. Sinful people seek their own interest. Real peace is elusive for them.
But true peace starts with God when spiritually dead men and women become spiritually alive and are influenced by the Holy Spirit. True peace starts with spiritual peace - when we make peace with God by believing in Jesus Christ. |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | |||||
