Finding Christ as our Peace

24 MAY

And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. Micah 5:5

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 9:1-7

How can we venture to believe the promise that in times of trouble, eventually all will be quiet and secure? Micah assures us, “this man” shall be our peace. We should thus be satisfied with the protection of the king whom God the Father gives us. Let the shadow of that king suffice us, for we shall be safe enough from all trouble.

We now see in what sense the prophet calls Christ the peace of His people, or of His church. God calls Christ His peace because He will drive far away all hurtful things. He will be armed with strength and invincible power to check all the ungodly, that they may not make war on the children of God or prevent them in their course, if they would cause any disturbances.

Christ is our peace in another way; for He reconciles us to the Father. What would it serve us to be safe from earthly annoyances if we were not certain of being reconciled with God? Unless our minds are sure of the paternal benevolence of God, we must necessarily tremble at all times, even if no one causes us any trouble. Even if all men were our friends and applauded us, our condition would still be miserable. We would surely struggle with restlessness unless our consciences were pacified with the sure confidence that God is our Father.

Christ can be our peace in no other way than by reconciling God to us. At the same time, the prophet promises that we shall lie safely under the shadow of Christ, so that we fear no evil. For though Satan furiously assails us, and the whole world becomes angry with us, we shall fear nothing if Christ keeps and protects us under His wings.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION:

The only real hope for peace in our world is for men and women to find peace with God. If the human race were to turn to Christ, we would soon find our world full of peace. Let us pray, then, for the Prince of Peace to reign in our world.

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke