Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [Matt. 5:9]
So how do I square this sentence with passages that appear to contradict it [1]? For example:
“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. For from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” [Lk. 12:51-53]
Perhaps the previous sentence spoken to His disciples provides a clue to the reader about the refining nature of division:
“I came to pour fire upon the Earth, and how I wish it were already set on fire! And I have a baptism [2] to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” [Lk. 12:49-50]
It’s very possible some of His disciples had no idea what He was talking about here. But, a 21st Century inductive Bible student [3] understands His words “fire upon the Earth” not as a direct reference to His second coming, but rather, completely in the context of human spiritual purification.
If he doesn’t, then he might unwittingly diminish the impact of what Jesus said.
Fire isn’t just an agent of extermination. It’s also critical to the refining process of metals, something most ancient Palestinians were familiar with. Placing raw metal ore into a fire was the only way to separate the pure metal from the impurities which contaminated it. In the same manner also, through the man, Jesus Christ, the Spirit Himself proliferates the fire by which the Lord’s people are purified [or refined] even to this day.
So…it appears that He really did mean exactly what He said.
The refining process isn’t always a pleasant thing, but it’s always a good thing. Just like a piece of iron ore, it breaks me down and separates me from my impurities. And I’d like to think it brings people together in faith more often than it separates them.
Because Jesus taught His disciples that “peace,” in its authentic sense, is realized only through a committed lifestyle conducive to God’s vision of purity in conduct. If I attempt to make peace without a clear understanding of what that actually means, I’m probably just fanning the flames of pride and ignorance.
If I’m really a Biblical peacemaker, I’ll welcome the refining process.