Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 9, 2012

The Lord of Peace

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:14-18.
 
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.  15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
 
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstanceThe Lord be with you all!
 
17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter;  this is the way I write.  18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”  2 Thessalonians 3:14-18.
                          

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Circumstances may draw attention away from our Lord to the difficult circumstances or to ourselves.  We need to focus our attention again to our Lord and His qualities and His willingness to help us.

Let us first consider generally that Almighty God is our Faithful Father.  Here is what the Heidelberg Catechism states about Almighty God, our Faithful Father, in reference to the Apostle’s Creed.

Question 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

Answer.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body:  and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage;  for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

Today’ Scripture reminds us specifically that our Lord is “the Lord of peace”, and that He “Himself” grants us peace.  We are reminded of other similar Scripture which reminds of this quality of peace in His nature.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;  … Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (emphasis added).

Our Lord of peace, our Prince of Peace, is certainly willing to help us and give us peace. 

Jesus said:  “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, nor let it be fearful’”. John 14:27.

And, our Lord grants us peace “in every circumstance”.  The world gives flashes of peace dependent on pride, place, and possessions that quickly come and go.  Christ gives us His peace that will never leave.

Verse 16 in today’s Scripture, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstanceThe Lord be with you all!“, reminds me of the following benediction (quoting Numbers 6:24-26) that we often have at the end of our worship service. 

May you go out today and every day illumined and comforted with these blessings from our Lord of peace!

“The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.’”


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