January 24
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Cor. 4:7.
In the East the customary greeting when visiting the house of a friend was,
“Peace be to this house,” and in leaving it the same words were used. But Christ’s farewell is of an altogether different character (“Peace I leave with you.” John 14:27). Much is embodied in these words. They are of richest import, and will be reechoed to earth’s remotest bounds.
Christ brought that peace with Him to the world. He came to impart that peace, that all who will believe on Him might have a peace that passeth understanding. He, the world’s Redeemer, had carried that peace with Him throughout His earthly life, and now He had come to the time when He must give His life so that the treasure of peace might ever abide in the heart by faith. He left that peace with His disciples, and He is implanting and maintaining it in the hearts of all who will welcome its presence.
This peace, however, is not the peace that comes through conformity to the
world. Christ never purchased peace by compromise with evil. The peace that Christ left His disciples is internal rather than external and was ever to remain with His witnesses through strife and contention.
The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and
obedient….
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another.” Rom. 14:19.
The psalmist says, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” [Ps. 4:8]. “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Ps. 29:11.
There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy. Believe, believe! My soul says, believe. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to His trust. He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him who hath loved you.
“God has promised help in bearing our burdens, not of tomorrow, but of today; each day place in His hands all purposes and plans, all cares and anxieties. Then only can we rest in the assurance that in “quietness and in confidence” shall be our strength.”
SOURCE REFERENCES
CTr 260.2-3, AA 84.1, FLB 121.3, 1TG No. 3:2