In the last post, I noted how the new birth in the life of a disciple automatically yields fruit like mercy and purity. Jesus continues that line of thought, describing disciples in the Kingdom as “peacemakers.” Surely, this can apply to our relationships with others and the influence we have on those around us who are not at peace with each other. Diplomacy is obviously best practiced by those who walk in step with the Spirit. However, without taking too many liberties, I would argue that Jesus is again speaking spiritually here and primarily referring to our role in the spread of the gospel.
Paul puts it this way, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20) We have been given a ministry of peacemaking, or to use Paul’s term a “ministry of reconciliation.” Like Aaron who rushed into the midst of the Israelites and “took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked,” (Num 16:48) we stand amid people who are dying in sin and offer the hope of new life that is found in the gospel. Because man is born spiritually destitute there is enmity between man and God. Yet, in the cross, there is reconciliation between God and man, and our mandate as disciples is to take up that ministry of reconciliation and share Christ with the lost.
We don’t witness because we are missionaries… we witness because we are disciples. We (missionaries) indeed have an apostolic calling from God to take the gospel cross-culturally and to spend our lives in another part of the world reaching the lost, discipling the saved, and expanding the Kingdom. Yet, we must realize that a desire to see others come to Christ is a fruit of the new birth; just like compassion and holiness. It is one of the hallmarks we look for in the lives of people who are truly born again, and not a spiritual gift that some exercise and others do not. Granted, some are better communicators and more comfortable in confrontational evangelism than others, but all who are disciples are expected to be “peacemakers” and all who have been saved should want lost people to experience the same grace they have experienced.
As you consider the words of Jesus and the words of Paul, I would ask you a couple of questions. “Do you see witnessing as a natural result of the new birth in the people you work with?” Genuine disciples should have a desire to see others come to Christ, but they often lack the skill or understanding to act on it. This is something we should model for our partners; it is something we should cultivate in them, and it is something we should expect. We need to help them see just how “normal” it is to share good news with others; especially when we have just received it ourselves. Second, “What does the frequency and quality of your personal evangelism say about your vitality as a disciple of Jesus in the Kingdom of God?” (I just reread that last sentence about 3 times and the more I read it the more I am convicted.) You see there is no getting around it; sons of God are peacemakers… if I am not approaching my ministry of reconciliation with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength it says something about my love for Him.
