Peace.. 2
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First His implicit obedience to God. Speaking by the Spirit of prophecy we find the Messiah declaring, "Lo, I come! In the volume of the book it is written of Me, I delight to do Your will, O My God: yes, Your Law is within My heart" (Psalm 40:7, 8). In Deuteronomy 10:2 Jehovah said unto Moses, "I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark." The stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed were deposited for safekeeping in the holy ark: and here (Psalm 40), we behold the blessed Antitype—the Law of God enshrined in the Messiah's affections—in consequence of which He perfectly and perpetually kept all the requirements of that Law in thought and word and deed. Therefore could the Lord Jesus affirm, "I do always those things that please Him" (John 8:29), and nothing is more pleasing to God—than a hearty compliance with His will.
That peace is both the product and reward of obedience, is clear from many passages. "Great peace have those who love Your Law" (Psalm 119:165). All who live in this world are born unto trouble (Job 5:7), much more so must the godly expect to encounter difficulties and conflicts (Psalm 34:19). To the carnal eye no condition seems more undesirable and miserable, than the state of those who serve God—yet no matter what their outward lot, peace dwells within, for "the fruit of righteousness is peace" (Isaiah 32:17). But, the proportion in which that peace is enjoyed is determined by the measure of our love for and compliance with the Divine Law, for Wisdom's ways are "ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3:17). Consequently, since the Lord Jesus had a fervent and unabated love for that Law and never forsook Wisdom's paths—perfect peace ever possessed His soul.
Second His absolute surrender to the sovereignty of God. Of the wicked it is said, "The way of peace have they not known" (Romans 3:17). And why is this? Because they are in revolt against God. The only true resting place—is for our wills to be lost in God's will, to meekly submit to His sovereign dispensations, to thankfully receive from His hand whatever enters our lives. Uniquely was that the case with the Lord Jesus. When favored Capernaum despised His gracious overtures, instead of being riled thereby, He exclaimed, "Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Your sight" (Matthew 11:26). He had placed Himself unreservedly under the government of His Father, consequently He accepted all afflictions as coming from His hand: "The cup which My Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11). When His very soul was wrung with the most acute anguish, so far from a word of complaint escaping His lips, He declared, "Father, not My will—but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). When enduring the sufferings of the Cross—tormented by man and experiencing the wrath of God—He meekly "bowed His head," praying for His enemies, committing His spirit into the hands of the Father.
Third, His unclouded fellowship with the Father. Dwelling continually in the secret place of the Most High—He abode perpetually under the shadow of the Almighty. Jehovah was the portion of His inheritance, and therefore the lines fell unto Him "in pleasant places": setting the Lord always before Him. He knew He would not be moved (Psalm 16:5-8). Enjoying unbroken communion with God, His heart ever experienced perfect peace. "As the living Father has sent Me, and I live by the Father (sustained by communing with Him)" (John 6:57). "I am not alone—but I and the Father that sent Me . . . He who sent Me is with Me" (John 8:16, 29). He ever had the blissful consciousness of the Father's presence: "the Father is with Me" (John 16:32).
Fourth, His unshaken confidence in the glory awaiting Him. "Let us run with patience (fortitude) the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith—who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross" (Heb. 12:1, 2). The Man Christ Jesus lived in the assurance of an unseen future. He looked away from the things of time and sense, above the shows and delusions of this world, beyond its trials and sorrows—and set His affection on things in Heaven. The prospect of a future—yet certain joy, enabled Him to run His race with patience, and therefore in the immediate prospect of death He could say, "Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices: My flesh also shall rest in hope . . . You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures" (Psalm 16:9, 11).
"My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you." There is no other peace like it, though the unregenerate often mistake the sleep of death, a drugged conscience, worldly prosperity, the enjoyment of temporal comforts, for peace. The fact is that none but those who are born of God can understand or enter into this blessed truth. The peace which the world gives is a false one, it is continued by an uncertain tenure, and at the last takes away its gift, leaving its deluded votaries to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. But the Lord Jesus gives what is truly good, solid and lasting: "When He gives quietness—who then can make trouble?" (Job 34:29).
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