“The God of Peace" and "The Prince of Peace" are familiar expressions, which have become exceedingly dear to our souls, each carrying its own special message to our hearts, but "The Lord of Peace" is perhaps not so often thought of, although in these days of sorrow it carries a peculiarly precious message to us.
In the beginning of Second Thessalonians we find the Apostle commending the Thessalonian saints for their love one to another; "the love of each one of you all towards one another abounds." 2 Thess. 1:33We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; (2 Thessalonians 1:3) (JND). But in the third chapter, as he nears the end of the epistle, he gives a most solemn command, "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition [or instruction] which he received of us." The disorder at Thessalonica seems to have been, "working not at all, but are busy-bodies." But the Word goes even further, "If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." Amongst the words "by this epistle" we find the following, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions, [or instruction] which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
These commands are very searching and very solemn, and must have been especially painful to the saints at Thessalonica where "the love of each one of you all towards one another abounds." What is there that causes more real sorrow and pain than to be compelled "not to keep company with" or to have to "withdraw from" a dearly beloved brother? Not only must the very heartstrings of these dear Thessalonian saints have been torn by such commands, not only did it leave them open to be misunderstood and to be taunted with pride and exclusiveness, but the very peace of the assembly seemed to be at stake. Yet such are the clear and solemn commands, "withdraw yourselves," "keep no company.”
What is the comfort and source of strength that God gives for such a moment? "The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means," or as another translation beautifully puts it, "at all times and under all circumstances." Because HE is our LORD, our path is implicit obedience to His Word, painful though it may be at times. How precious, then, to remember that our Lord is "The Lord of Peace" and that He can give peace, as well as joy and courage, at all times, yes, even in our times! and under all circumstances, yes, even in our circumstances! G.C. Willis