When the misery, desolation and bloodshed of war have wasted the fields and families of a nation—when its armies have been again and again defeated, its garrisons capitulated, and its resources exhausted—when the enemy is in possession of the fairest provinces and the finest cities, and all hope of waging successful warfare is over, then "Peace! Peace!" is the cry. Terms of peace are desired of the victorious foe. When these are arranged between the heads of the nations—when the treaty is signed, and the indemnity paid, far and wide the message is dispatched that carries the welcome tidings. In cities and towns, through villages and hamlets, over hill and dale, the good news is told, bringing joy and gladness to many a heart and home.
Peace has been made, but at what a cost! A large tract of land must be yielded to the conquerors and a vast sum of money paid. The cost, however, is now but lightly esteemed, for once more rest and comfort may cheer the homestead and brighten the hearth.
Peace has been made—peace has been proclaimed; and now, as the message is believed, peace is enjoyed. Thus it is as to peace with God.
I was an enemy in my mind by wicked works—an enemy warring a vain and foolish warfare against a God of love. My sins had turned my heart from Him, and I longed to be out of His presence, away from His sight. Then, by His grace, I was given to see my ruined estate—my need. My eyes were opened to behold what the end of my mad course must be, and to see in some little way the rich grace of God. I was brought to my own defeat, and to long for peace. Then, wonder of wonders, marvel of marvels, I found that PEACE HAD BEEN MADE by the blood of the cross.
I learned that the Lord Jesus in infinite love had left the heights of glory and had gone down to death, "even the death of the cross." He bore there all the righteous judgment of God due to me; He paid there all my indebtedness; He endured suffering there, yes, suffering—SUFFERING—and who shall tell the depth of that suffering?—for sins, the Just for the unjust, to bring me to God. Then, the Mighty Worker, He had cried: "IT IS FINISHED," and had laid down His life.
Risen from the dead on the third day, He appeared among His loved ones, and proclaimed the peace He had made, saying, "PEACE UNTO YOU.”
He showed them His hands and His side, which told of the cost at which He had won this peace for them—for me.
Now in the glory, HE IS MY PEACE. He is seated there at God's right hand, where judgment never more can reach Him; and I, by grace, am given a place "IN HIM," where "there is no condemnation.”
PEACE IS ENJOYED; calm, quiet, undisturbed "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
My reader, can you say the same?