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 12 of 12

PEACE IS SELECTIVELY BESTOWED

It may appear that this is a contradiction (that peace is selectively bestowed), but it is not. The peace of God is available to everyone, but is not given to everyone. It is bestowed selectively--not secretly, but selectively. A few examples will suffice to confirm this truth.

"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be ON THEM, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16). The "rule" to which the Spirit refers is that of new creatureship (Gal. 6:15). To everyone living in newness of life in Christ-- peace be to them! Such conduct may not be met with men's applause, but it will result in peace from God.

"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. Amen" (1 Peter 5:14). Those that are "in Christ Jesus" have access to everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). There is no spiritual resource required to make it safely from earth to heaven that is not available to them. Note that the blessing conferred is that of peace "with" us. How blessed the contemplation, that the peace of Christ can be with us in all of life's experiences.

"But glory, honor, and peace, TO EVERY MAN THAT WORKETH GOOD, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile" (Romans 2:10). Those who "work good" are those devoted to pleasing the Lord. Their efforts are not always honored by men--not even by fellow believers. But there is no cause for this to become a source of inward agitation. God will give peace to those active in His service. Count on that, or, as the Scripture would say, "reckon" on it.

CONCLUSION

The peace given by Jesus is something worth pursuing. It will require diligence on your part to be found in a state where peace can be given to you. But your labors will not be in vain. Your objective is to be found in possession of peace when Jesus comes--undistracted by the world. "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14).

The present heavens and earth will pass away in a violent manner (2 Pet 3:10-12). With them will pass everything that is corrupt and defiling. Blessed is the person who will stand in that day with dominating peace! For such, disruption will never again occur.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I desire for Your peace to rule in my heart. I thank You in Jesus' name that You have called me to such a peace, and that my desire will be honored because of Christ.

-- TOMORROW: WILLING IGNORANCE --
MONDAY, New Series: RESISTING THE DEVIL