|
Listen to sermons at FreeGraceRadio.com
|
July 19 Today’s Reading: Isaiah 24-27 “Perfect Peace” Isaiah 26:3
The words “perfect peace” might be better translated “peace, peace,” or “peace upon peace.” They are intended to express peace in the most emphatic way possible. The peace that God gives his people in Christ is certain peace, real peace, increasing peace, extensive peace, and everlasting peace.
Absence of Danger Peace is the absence of war and danger (Isaiah 40:1-2). There was a time when God appeared to be at war with us. But as soon as a sinner trusts Christ, his warfare is over and the danger of war is gone.
Life of Peace Peace reigns over all things within the circle of the believer’s life. All our sins have been forgiven, once for all, never to be charged against us. Christ has taken possession of us, never to lose us. Our heavenly Father rules the universe, never neglecting us. There is nothing we cannot safely commit to him. Cast “all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Rest in the Soul The peace that God gives is rest in the soul (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). As the body lying upon a bed finds rest for all its members, so the soul stretching itself out upon Christ finds rest and peace for every faculty. The heart finds rest in God’s love. Judgment finds rest in his wisdom. Desire finds rest in the Lord’s goodness. Hope rests in his Word. And expectation finds rest in the promises of God. Peace in the soul is resignation to the will of God, confidence in the goodness of God, and contentment with the providence of God.
A Matter of Faith “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — This peace is a matter of faith. O my soul, take an honest survey of things. If I do not enjoy this peace, the blame must be laid at my door alone. We make ourselves restless by unbelief. God gives us peace as he works faith in us and sustains our souls in faith by the relentless operations of his grace. Look upward, my brother. There is no sword of justice against you, no cup of wrath for you to bear, no angry God against you. Look downward, dear sister. There is no condemnation, no death, no judgment, no second death, no hell for you to endure. Look backward, believing sinner. All your past sins are blotted out, forgiven, taken away, and remembered no more. Look outward, my heart. God has made all the beasts of the field, all the stones of the earth, all the trees of the forest, and even your enemies to be at peace with you. Look inward, child of God. God has set up a guard in your heart to keep your heart. His name is Peace. The Peace of God that “passeth understanding” is God’s gift to faith. Look forward, O my soul. Heavenly glory awaits you. All that the Man Christ Jesus is and has done is yours! And all that he has soon shall be yours! O Holy Spirit, give me faith to trust my God, ever set my heart and mind upon my most precious Christ, and keep me in perfect peace.
Don Fortner
|
Pastor Fortner’s
|