BEN F. VICK, JR.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: For in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4.)
Peace is defined as “1) a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose. 2) Specifically, absence or cessation of war. 3) General order and tranquility; freedom from riot or violence. 4) A state of reconciliation after strife; peaceable or friendly relations; agreement; concord. 5) Freedom from mental agitation or anxiety; 6) Spiritual content.” (Funk and Wagnalls College Standard Dictionary, p. 833, 1943.)
All men want peace. I know no exception to this maxim. I would imagine even warmongers desire peace at times. The writer of Hebrews commands, “Follow peace with all men….” (Heb. 12:14.) Paul wrote, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:19.)
God is described as “the God of peace.” Consider these verses: “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Rom. 15:33.) “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Rom. 16:20.) “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:9.) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23.) “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” (Heb. 13:20.)
Consider with me peace from different perspectives: First, peace with God. Second, peace with fellowman. Third, peace with self. Fourth, peace in death; Fifth, everlasting peace in heaven.
To have peace with God, one must be reconciled to him. Sin separates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2). It puts us at enmity with God (James 4:4). The sin which separates man from God must be removed. This is made possible by God’s having sent his Son into the world to reconcile us unto God in one body (Eph. 2:11-17). Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). He is our peace. However, to experience true peace in Jesus Christ, we must obey the gospel. Hear it; believe it; repent of our sins, confess our faith in Christ, and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:37-47). There can be peace in the world but war within our souls if not obedient to the gospel. However, there can be wars and rumors of conflicts in the world; we can be unjustly treated yet experience true peace because of Jesus Christ.
Think of Paul. Unjustly treated. Imprisoned in Rome, yet he wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7.) Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9.) The Sweet Singer of Israel penned, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: For the end of that man is peace.” (Psalm 37:37.)
If one is at peace with God, having obeyed the gospel, he can seek peace with his fellowman. It might be that enjoying peace with others is a challenging proposition. However, the question is not how others treat you but your reaction to how they treat you. Some people, it seems, are born in the objective case and the “kickative” mood. However, Paul enjoined, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18.) It is not, “Well, they did this or that to me, or he did me wrong; but how do I react to the wrong done? Look at Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-24). Some seem to walk around looking for a fight. Proverbs says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go:” (Prov. 22:24.) So, avoid the angry man. Practicing the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) can smooth all differences. Learning to give a soft answer is the lubricant that can melt harsh, angry words. When differences arise, do not let them fester. Solve them (Matt. 5: 21-26; 18:15-17). Do not let the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26).
If one has peace with God based on obedience to God’s word, he can have true peace. Forgiveness of sins brings real contentment, removes anxiety, and comforts. The false prophets in Jeremiah’s day were crying peace, peace when there was no peace. Trouble from the Babylonians was coming. It was a false peace. People can have false peace, thinking they are right with God. This is a big mistake. Make your calling and election sure.
I have a long-time, dear friend who often prayed, “Let us have a peaceful hour in which to depart.” To that statement, I heard a well-known preacher criticize that prayer. I have never understood that. Was it not Simeon who prayed as he held baby Jesus, “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word:” (Luke 2:28-29.) If one has peace in this life, he can depart this world in peace.
If we die having been reconciled to God, we can be ushered into that eternal home where perfect peace is enjoyed.
PEACE PERFECT PEACE
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin…
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed:
To do the will of Jesus – this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace with sorrows surging round:
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away:..
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown:
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease.
And Jesus calls us to heav’n’s perfect peace.