No one will deny that all the prodigious efforts of men to procure peace for the nations have ended in failure. However, few realize that the explanation of this failure lies in the world's rejection of God's Son, the Prince of Peace.
With the coming of the Babe of Bethlehem, the entry of peace into the world was celebrated by the praising heavenly host saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." But the imminent departure of peace was proclaimed, just before Christ's final rejection, by the multitude, crying, "Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." Not until the Lord returns as Prince of Peace will peace be found on earth again. One has truly said, "On earth there is a kingless throne; in heaven there is a throne-less King. Until the throne-less King is on that kingless throne, there'll be no peace.
But God in infinite wisdom and compassion used the very occasion of the cross to secure for men a more wonderful peace than that brought to earth in the Son's incarnation. This peace was made by the blood of His cross, and it is proclaimed in the gospel. Indeed in Ephesians 2:1717And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:17) Christ is presented as the great Preacher of peace both to Jew and Gentile. It is because of this peace received from Him that we can have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace when standing in conflict in the evil day.
The troubled sinner needs peace for his conscience, and he receives it when he believes the gospel. Romans 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1) unfolds this: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
The woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment illustrates this beautifully. Trembling, she came to Jesus, only to hear from His lips, "Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace" Luke 8:4848And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. (Luke 8:48).
"She only touched the hem of His garment
As to His side she stole,
Amid the crowd that gathered 'round Him,
And straightway she was whole.
"Oh, touch the hem of His garment
And thou too shalt be free;
His saving power, this very hour,
Shall give new life to thee!"
Those enjoying peace with God soon realize that, if they stand faithful to Christ, they will share the reproach of His rejection, and be the object of the world's malice and opposition. When forewarning His disciples of this the Lord said: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace." John 16:3333These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).
There is no peace for the Christian here; but while passing through tribulation for the Lord's sake, he can have the bounty left by the Lord: "Peace I leave with you, MY PEACE I give unto you."
Although brought into divine favor, the Christian is not relieved from the trials common to man; and these are apt to bring anxious care. For such circumstances the believer may have the peace of God which passes all understanding.
God's peace is not disturbed by the unrest and conflicts of the world; and this is the peace that He holds out to His people. To enjoy this divine peace in its varied aspects, the Christian must abide in communion with the Lord Jesus Christ, for "He is our peace."