God told Isaiah that it would come to pass in later days that a mountain of the house of the Lord would be established in the highest mountains. He was referring to Jerusalem, also known as Zion. “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). Zion was a stronghold that David conquered and became the site of the Temple. More importantly, all nations would flow to the mountain of God and peace would reign forth from it.
“He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes from many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (vs. 4). When Christ came, he told his disciples to lay down their swords and to be peacemakers. True peace can only be found in Christ. We are called, not to have peace, but to be peacemakers. There is intentionality behind that word.
Peacemakers are expected to contribute to the holistic wellbeing of their community. This encompases peace negotiations, reconciliation, and pursuing what makes life better for others, including justice and mercy. Jesus is the beacon of peace coming from Jerusalem. Only through him can there be peace among the people of all nations. As peacemakers, we pursue the things that bring about peace, uniting one another through Christ our savior.