(Deut. 20:10-14)
AMONGST the laws of God given to Israel in case of war, was the command, "When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace into it," &c. God delights in mercy, and judgment is His strange work.
There was to be a proclamation of peace before its execution at the hand of Israel. How forcibly this illustrates what God is doing now! The world is in danger of judgment. "Behold, the judge standeth before the door" (James 5:9). But today the Judge is a Savior proclaiming peace. The gospel comes first; judgment has been long threatened, but mercy holds back its execution upon guilty men, and peace is proclaimed in righteousness on the ground of the finished work of Christ.
God is glorified about sin in the death of His Son. Raised from the dead, Jesus was the first to proclaim peace to His disciples, the fruit of His own work. Now from the glory He proclaims to all, "Peace be unto you." His propitiatory sacrifice was for all, and it is enough for all. The proclamation of peace is not for any favored people, but for the whole world that liveth in the wicked one (1 John 5:10). All are responsible to receive it. All who reject, despise, or neglect it, must reap the consequences,— eternal woe (John 3:36; Rev. 20:15).
“And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein,". &c. (ver. 11). It was at the option of the people of the besieged city to make an answer of peace to those outside, and to open their gates, &c., or to fight against them. And men are responsible now for their treatment of God's message of peace. It is our own fault if we fight against Him. We are the enemies of God, but He seeks to reconcile us to Himself in this day of His grace. It is a question for every individual soul in this poor world exposed to judgment. What answer will you make to His overtures of peace? Do you cry "Peace," or "War"? Will you make answer of peace, and find peace with God now and forever through the finished work of Christ? (Rom. 4:23-25; 5:3.) Or will you fight against Him in heart and mind until too late, to be overwhelmed by His righteous judgment? Will you open the gates of your heart, so to speak, and let Christ in? or will you close them, and shut Him out?
If you follow wisdom's way you will open to Him at once. Delays are dangerous. Another day may be too late the day of peace-and salvation past and gone forever. Take care that you give a true answer of peace. Many, puffed up with fleshly pride, are strong in their rebellion against God. Judgment is before them. Many are already crying, “Peace and safety," but it is a false peace. Sudden destruction will come upon them also (1 Thess. 5:3).
But all who hear God's proclamation of peace through the precious blood of Christ, and whose hearts are open to believe it, have peace With Him wow. For every believer it is written, “Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 4:15; 5:1). Again we ask you, Is it to be "Peace" or "War"?
For nearly nineteen centuries has this glorious proclamation been sounded forth far and wide. What wondrous patience our Savior-God has shown!
Tens of thousands have despised every overture of His grace. Surely they will be without excuse when the judgment comes.
Many have heard and believed it, and have peace with God. Are you amongst the number? If so, what follows? “And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee " (ver. 11). Tributaries and servants.
And that is exactly what believers become. We are saved from judgment, have peace with God, henceforth to be dependent upon Him and to serve Him. Dependence and obedience are what characterized the Lord Jesus Christ as a man down here.
And He has set us an example that we should follow His steps. To be God's tributaries and servants, is far better than to live in this world in independence and self-will. But there is no way to this but by faith. We must first have peace.
"And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it; and when the Lord thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword; but the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the Lord thy God hath given thee” (ver. 12-14). Every city that willfully resisted was to be exposed to all the horrors of a siege. The men were to be smitten without mercy, when the Lord delivered it into their hands, and the rest and the spoil were for Israel.
And if men now persist in their self-will, rebelling against God, the only alternative is judgment.
If you, poor sinner, and enemy of God, will do your will, fighting against God's offers of mercy and grace, not only will you live without peace here, but to all eternity. All judgment is committed unto the Son. Soon the rebellious and wicked will be delivered into His hand. Terrible will be the day of retribution. None can escape, who fail now to accept His gracious terms, neglecting so great salvation. 'Tis not yet too late. Once more we sound forth the proclamation of peace.
“Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee" (Job 22:21).
You have naught to do. The ground of it is laid (as we have already seen) in the finished work of Christ. Peace was made through the blood of the cross of God's dear Son (Col. 1:20), and now it is offered to you. What is your reply, "Peace," or “War"?
E. H. C.