Maskepetoon—Peacemaker

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) I’ve been intrigued by the story of a Rocky Mountain Cree of the mid-1800’s, a chief named Maskepetoon. Told by many, it has become a mix of myth, legend, and truth. However, all sources mark the man with the common denominator that follows the common thread of “Peacemaker.” Maskepetoon, a renowned warrior who came to faith in Jesus, found out that personal peace could only come when it was partnered with forgiveness. His only son had been murdered by a companion. Maskepetoon, faced with the choice of killing or forgiving him, offered his forgiveness to the man. His own dad had been killed by a fighter from another tribe. Years later, Maskepetoon met this warrior and extended his forgiveness to him, inviting him into his lodge and presenting him with a garment. But peace isn’t desired by all. Peace doesn’t come easily, and peace doesn’t come cheap. Maskepetoon paid the ultimate price when he later entered an enemy camp unarmed to negotiate a peace treaty. He was killed by a fighter from there. It seems rather ironic that his pursuit of peace would cost him hislife. In Maskepetoon’s eyes, the reward was worth the risk—the payoff was worth the price. Maskepetoon and his peacemaking endeavors were rejected by those around him but, if you had asked him, it was worth contending for! – Kene Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org