THE PEACE OF CHRIST GIVEN TO YOU

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid . . . These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (John 14:27,33; Rom 1:7)

Devotion 8 of 12

A COVENANT OF PEACE

God has a heart for His people! He wants to bless them. Though not fully revealed, this was displayed in His dealings with Israel. With this nation, the Lord played a prelude to the song of salvation. His interaction with them was accomplished in anticipation of the "day of salvation." Things that "happened unto them" are examples for us "upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Cor. 10:11).

Some of His expressions toward them are appreciated more by those in Christ than they ever were by those under the "first covenant." The 54th chapter of Isaiah is a case in point, and deals with the subject of Christ's peace within us. Here God challenges the faithful to sing in anticipation of blessing. Though barrenness had been their experience, yet a time of fruition was coming. He urges them to "break forth into singing," enlarging the place of her tent in anticipation of unparalleled growth and increase. "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine
habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left . . . " (Isa. 54:1-3). He tells them that they have been forsaken for only "a small moment," and will be gathered "with great mercies" (54:7). Though He was rightfully indignant with them, His wrath was but a "little" and but "for a moment." He would "have mercy" upon them with "everlasting kindness" (54:7-8).

The time of "His indignation" was as the waters of Noah to Him. Perceive the heart of God as He speaks to a recalcitrant people: "For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee" (Isa. 54:9). No other god is so desirous to bless his people! While the heathen nations, and much of professed Christendom, boast of a powerful god, they cannot even conceive of one that is intent upon blessing. This is a trait of "the true God" (2 Chron. 15:3).

Hear Him as He speaks! "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee" (54:10).

A COVENANT OF PEACE! How blessed the sound! How glorious the concept! His elaboration provides an understanding of what is involved in His peace. He speaks to those that are "afflicted, tossed with the tempest, and not comforted" (54:11). This is the antithesis of peace, and those who lack peace will easily recognize the state. God tells such that He will bring them stability, securing their "foundations," "windows," "gates," and "borders" (54:12). His summation of the blessing is this: "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (Isa. 54:13). This, of course, is an expression of the new covenant now enjoyed in Christ, as expressly stated in Scripture (Jer. 31:34; John 6:45). Apostolic doctrine confirms that this occurs in Christ (1 Cor. 2:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 John 2:20).

The Lord's delineation of peace continues. The people will be established in righteousness, and will not be intimidated by their enemies (54:14). Whoever opposes them will ultimately fail in their diabolical objectives, and "no weapon that is formed against" them "will prosper." The godly will have the last word in every controversy. "This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness" is of the Lord (54:17).

This remarkable dialogue on "the covenant of peace" provides insight into the possession of spiritual tranquility. It is primarily a state of perception, not of external benefit. God's people have never enjoyed consistent temporal blessing. Whether we speak of Abraham, Moses, the prophets, John the Baptist, or the Apostles, opposition and trouble have always been with them. True, there were times of external peace--political serenity--for God's people, but it has generally been short- lived. This is a vital truth to see.

There is a strain of emphasis in the religious world that promises external peace and prosperity to the righteous. Everything from health and wealth to political stability and organizational growth is being proclaimed with "good words and fair speeches" (Rom. 16:18). Such peace is more related to psychological definition than spiritual stability. It is fed by delusion rather than truth, and results in those who embrace it being dashed upon rocks of despair. This delusion is to be rejected in quest of "better things."

The peace of which we speak is the antithesis of the displeasure of God. That type of state is vividly described by the prophet as one in which people are "forsaken," "grieved in spirit," and "refused." Peace corrects these conditions, bringing an acute awareness of God's favor and blessing. This is not accomplished primarily through external benefits, for these are, at the very best, only temporal. Besides that, fellowship with God is not required for financial stability, physical health, or political stability. You can experience all of these in abundance and still be alienated from God.

A "covenant of peace" ultimately results in the blessed individual realizing that ultimately everything will be all right. He may be required to pass through fire and water. There may be harsh rejection, and even bloody persecution. But inimical powers will not ultimately triumph, and the desire of ones enemies will not be brought to fruition.

The reconciled soul has been convinced of God's magnanimous favor, abundant grace, and great love. In the dominating persuasion of this, he can sing in the prison house and experience fellowship in the furnace. The human heart craves this type of stability. This the result of bearing the divine image.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for a peace that comes by Divine covenant instead of through human ingenuity.

-- TOMORROW: PEACE CAN BE TAKEN AWAY --