Having Peace
February 2022 – Grace & Truth Magazine
Having Peace
Our Features this month are about Gideon. I enjoyed thoughts about peace in them and the other articles, although the word itself may not be seen. Peace is something the world seeks but can never find apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6 KJV ).
Respected Bible teacher Samuel Ridout (1855–1930), when commenting about Gideon’s call by the Angel of the LORD (see Jud. 6:11-23), wrote:
Gideon did not seem to realize that he had been face to face with the Angel of the LORD until He had departed. Then he was overwhelmed with the solemn fact and dreaded the consequences. But grace quickly reassured him, and he built an altar to the LORD – Jehovah-Shalom, “Jehovah is Peace.” In the midst of all the tumult that raged about him, in spite of the dread conflicts that were soon to take place, there was one place where all was perfect peace, one person with whom there was no conflict: Jehovah Himself. It reminds us of our Lord’s words to His disciples: “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). How beautiful and quiet is all this in the midst of utter ruin and confusion. “When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?” (Job 34:29). Gideon found the God of peace.
God wants us to enjoy peace – peace with God (Rom. 5:1) and the peace of God (Phil 4:7). Peace with God comes by accepting His offer of salvation, having realized that our sin has separated us from Him, even making us His enemies (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 5:10). But, “if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whosoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’” (10:9-11 NKJV). In other words, the one who believes will have peace with God.
The peace of God then allows us to live joyfully, worshiping Him regardless of what might take place. By abiding in His Word and confessing our sins (Jn. 15:7; 1 Jn. 1:9), we can enjoy peace continually, for the eyes of our hearts will always be directed to Him who is peace – Jesus Christ.
By Paul Alberts