Wednesday Bible Blurb “Peacemaker” 5 22 2024
The lone lawman came riding into Fort Sumner, New Mexico on his dusty white horse. As all good lawmen of the 1880’s he was after his man and he would not quit until he had him. Lincoln County Sheriff, Pat Garrett was after the notorious murderer Billy the Kid. Garrett had already killed several of the “Kids” compadres with his colt .45 peacemaker and now it was the Kids turn to meet his fate. Around 12:30 A.M. July 14, 1881 Sheriff Pat Garrett shot Billy the Kid dead. The Colt .45 became known as the “peacemaker” because it was used from 1872-1893 by the lawmen of the wild American West to make peace.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9 [NKJV]). The colt .45 is not the peacemaker Jesus was referring too. What is peace? Is peace simply absence of war? Who is the ultimate true peacemaker? Our world today is full of war but this is not new. Ukraine verses Russia; Israel verses Hamas are currently “hot wars” in our world. Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” (Matt. 24:6). How will peace come to this earth?
Why do we have war in this world? “Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely. They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” (Jere. 6:13-14). James, brother of Jesus tells us, “Where do wars and fights come from among you” Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in our members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.” (James 4:1-2). We do not have peace because of sin.
The days of the lone lawman riding into town on his dusty white horse with his Colt .45 peacemaker to clean up the town are over. The day is coming when a new lawman will come riding into town on His clean white horse.
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11-16).
Jesus will make peace in this world. He won’t be using the Colt .45 but instead the sword of the Lord. Pease will come on His white horse and the world will someday be able to say, “Peace, peace” when there is truly peace. Move over Sheriff Pat Garrett, a new sheriff is riding into town on His white horse.
