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No.5.
Peace that passeth all understanding.
pp. 118, 119
We have seen the beginning (grace) and the end (glory) and have learned that the
beginnings of our calling spring from superabounding grace, while glory is associated
with love that exceeds knowledge. During the interval, we might perhaps assume, that
superlatives would be conspicuous by their absence, that if we have but the assurance of
"bread and water" we should be thankful. The children of Israel however, while in the
wilderness did experience some of the superlatives of the Lord, even though the great
miracle of the Red Sea was past and the equally great miracle of the River Jordan was yet
to come. So, too, the believer to-day will discover that the waiting period is not wholly
devoid of superabundance, he will be able to say, not once nor twice as he passes along
life's journey "my cup runneth over".
The very fact that we need redemption implies the presence of sin and bondage. In the
background of all the Lord's dealings, in grace, we shall discover an enemy at work, and
enmity in action. Yet such is the grace that calls, and saves us, that even here in this life
we may know Superlative Peace.
"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for
nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall
keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 5-7).
Dr. Weymouth's translation is suggestive and is as follows:
"Let your forbearing spirit be known to every one--the Lord is near. Do not be
over-anxious about anything, but by prayer and earnest pleading, together with
thanksgiving, let your requests be unreservedly made known in the presence of God and
the peace of God which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard
your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus."
The world we live in is ruled by cause and effect. For everything there is a reason.
Where, to us there may seem the operation of blind chance, a greater knowledge would
perceive the remoter causes. A peace that transcends all our powers of thought is a boon
to be devoutly sought--but there is no quick cut to this happy state, it is at the end of a
sequence of causes and effects, for grace while superabounding and supernatural is not
irrational. We must in the first instance distinguish between that peace which is ours by
reason of redemption and justification "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ" (Rom. 5: 1), and the peace of God which acts as a garrison in a world of anxiety
and strife. Such a peace is far more experimental than that which arises from the sinners'
acquittal at the bar of God. It is the blessed crown upon a series of spiritual qualities, and
will never be experienced where these intervening steps are omitted.
Dr. Weymouth, at the word "forbearing" in his translation puts a footnote, which reads: