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#3.
"Peace, and at such a time."
In the world---tribulation;
in Me---peace.
pp. 103 - 106
In the Book of Ezra there are several letters by various people, and it is in these letters
that we meet the somewhat curious expression that we have used in the title of the present
article--"at such a time".
"And at such a time" (Ezra 4: 10, 11).
"Peace and at such a time" (Ezra 4: 17).
"Unto Ezra . . . . . perfect peace, and at such a time" (Ezra 7: 12).
The Chaldee participle which is translated "at such a time" is possibly used much in
the same way as a business letter refers to the date when it is written. It is almost
impossible to say what was the origin of the expression. The translators of the LXX
version ignore it, while the R.V. renders it in each case: "and so forth." We are,
however, very remotely concerned with the expression itself, and have simply adopted it
because of its suggestiveness in English. "Peace, and at such a time"!
We may be pardoned, we trust, for taking this phrase out of its context in order to
provide the believer with words that express so fully the wonder of the gift of peace. We
have peace now--"at such a time"--with enmity, strife and perplexity all around, and a
presage of possible disaster in the hearts of the stoutest. We shall have peace then--"at
such a time"--when the day of judgment opens, and sinners shall be judged by Him Who
sits on the throne. We shall have peace then--"at such a time"--when He shall make all
things new. Peace in the glory, peace in view of judgment, peace in the midst of strife--
"Peace, and at such a time". Let us look at these blessed facts a little more closely.
PEACE. AND AT SUCH A TIME--NOW, IN THIS WORLD.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14: 27).
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"
(John 16: 33).
The whole context of these words of cheer is one of fear and trouble on the one hand,
and comfort and peace on the other. Nothing can make up for a full reading of the
chapters concerned, but the following abbreviated structure of John 14: may be
suggestive: