“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you.” John 14:27
Dear Ones:
Jesus, in speaking to His disciples concerning “peace,” made a distinction between the peace given by the world, and that from God. One has its origin in men, their methods and means. The other has its origin, not only IN God, but revealed and given by God. It is a gift, for it is the revelation of Christ’s life by the Spirit, given to the believer. It is a peace that has its origin in heaven, and its application by the power of the Spirit. What then is the meaning of this peace?
In the book of Isaiah, he writes: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” (26:3) Immediately we discover that this peace of which God speaks is an action upon the heart and mind of the believer. It is always in conformity with the manifest word of God, the expression of His will. Herein is peace, the blessed calm of God’s goodness and holiness. There is absolute assurance of perfect love, control, wisdom, in this peace. The soul that experiences this peace, which passes understanding, is that one who is brought into conformity with the blessed purposes and provision of God. God gives this peace in response to faith, to the soul that, “…trusts in Thee.”
One aspect of knowing this peace has to do with being guided by it. When Joseph was brought out of prison, set before Pharaoh, to give him an interpretation of a dream, he said to Pharaoh: “It is not in me: God shall give to Pharaoh an answer of PEACE.” (Gen. 41:16) What did he mean by that? There would be the quiet, deep, and persuading assurance of God’s hand in the matter. Pharaoh, and it seems all of his servants, were together persuaded that Joseph’s interpretation of the dream was truly of God, revealing to them what He was going to do.
Many years after Joseph had died, and Israel had entered the promised land of Canaan, the Lord through Isaiah wrote these words: “For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with PEACE.” (55:12) Why did He say this? The peace of God will manifest itself when one is brought into conformity with the will and purpose of God. Just prior to the mention of God’s peace in this passage, is the mention of the “…word that goes forth out of My mouth.” When the will of God is known, and embraced, He gives the confirming evidence of His approval and blessing by giving His peace. The Apostle Paul would write concerning this same aspect of peace being a “guide.” In writing to the believes in Colossae, he would instruct them: “And let the peace of God RULE in your hearts.” (3:15) Again, why does he say that this peace which God gives can be a guide? God gives His peace when the believer is in the will of God, according to the purposes of God. If one should “lose” this peace, he or she must stop, look to heaven to find out why. God confirms His way and will with His peace, by the Spirit.
The peace of God is also a “guardian.” How? In writing to the Philippians, Paul wrote: “…And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (4:7) It is in walking with Christ, rejoicing in Him, praying always with thanksgiving, that again, God gives His peace. This peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit’s indwelling Life. It is the extension and expression of the life of Christ. We cannot understand it, for it is a manifestation of Jesus’ eternal life in the heart, and the confirmation of His will and purposes on this earth. God keeps us, and leads us, with His peace, as we trust and obey Him, and this by the Spirit.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to understand our union with Christ, and the expectation of His life revealed in and through us by His peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad