4 SEPTEMBER
The God of peace
‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ Hebrews 13:20–21
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 9:1–7
The title by which God is addressed: the God of peace. Many of the Lord’s titles are taken from the effects of his goodness to his creatures. So he is called the God of grace, of comfort, of hope. The ground of reason is the same in all. He is the author and fountain of all grace, hope and comfort, and so likewise of peace. He designed the plan and provided the means of our peace, according to his eternal purpose. There is no peace to the wicked, that is, not in themselves, not while under the influence of the carnal mind. Yet we are all by nature wicked. But it was the Lord’s pleasure that rebels should obtain peace. This was the song and the wonder of angels, on earth, peace [Luke 2:14]. For this purpose:
(i) he gave his Son. He is our peace.
(ii) he sends his gospel—the gospel of peace. It intimates the full and complete satisfaction of God in the work of Christ, reconciling the world unto himself: every demand satisfied, every perfection glorified, and such an abundance opened for goodwill to mankind, that now he takes his title from hence and is revealed as the God of peace. You that are seeking him by Christ need not be afraid. He is the God of peace, more ready to receive than you to come.
FOR MEDITATION:
As the serpent raised by Moses
Hear his gracious invitation,
Healed the burning serpent’s bite;
‘I have life and peace to give,
JESUS thus himself discloses
I have wrought out full salvation,
To the wounded sinner’s sight:
Sinner, look to me and live.’
SERMON SERIES: HEBREWS 13:20–21, NO. 1 [2/3]
Milo 