I've been intrigued by the story of a Rocky Mountain Cree of the mid 1800s, a chief named Maskepetoon. Told by many, his story has become a mix of myth, legend and truth. However, all sources bear common denominators that follow the common thread of peacemaking.
Maskepetoon, a renowned warrior who came to Faith in Jesus, found out that personal peace would only come when it was partnered with forgiveness.
His only son had been murdered by a companion, and Maskepetoon, faced with the choice of killing or forgiving him, offered his forgiveness to the man who murdered his son.
His dad had been killed by a fighter from another tribe.
Years later, Maskepetoon met the man and extended his forgiveness to him, inviting him into his lodge and presenting him with a garment.
Peace isn't desired by all. Peace doesn't come easily, and peace doesn't come cheap. Maskepetoon paid the ultimate price when he 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 his life. In Maskepetoon's eyes, the risk was worth the price.
Jesus said in John 14:27, "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."
Maskepetoon and his peace were rejected by those around him, but if you had asked him, I'm sure he would have told you his peace was worth contending for!
