Peace by All Means
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)
The closing words of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians are a final appeal to the stability of a troubled church. They are appropriate for us as these two letters are instructions concerning the Lord’s return, renewed hope in the promises of the gospel, and restoration of peace in the discouragements of living in a sin cursed world. Peace is Paul’s final plea for the Thessalonian church.
Typically, Christians believe peace is based on our feelings at the time and is determined by the circumstances we face. With this understanding of peace, we believe we are in control by making changes to our circumstances and turning them in ways that will best accomplish our desires. Our text verse disproves the method that how we think will accomplish the peace Paul desires. In Paul’s mind, peace is not subjective but rather depends on the actions of the Lord of peace who will give peace by all means—all means He Himself provides.
I must admit that in the past year I have struggled to find peace and contentment. Circumstances have been awful and as much as I would like to change them, I have no power over them. I fail especially when my peace is disturbed by the disappointments of politics and the declining moral values of our country. I despair with the nightly news that applauds every decadence of the culture and celebrates every insane wickedness pushed on us by this ungodly administration. It is obvious the peace Paul speaks of is much less connected to government and societal activities than our own since Christians in Paul’s time were without hope of modern democracy to affect a change (assuming enough godly people would ever be gathered to agree). Neither does our dissatisfaction have the added dimension of intense persecution.
The peace Paul advocated is discovered in the Hebrew word shalom. It means to be whole and sound—to be safe and secure. His prayer for peace is that it would come in all the ways God alone provides for the church which are often termed His means of grace. These means are greatly diversified as we have found one of the least expected ways recently in our articles on church discipline. Peace is restored when wayward church members are brought back through the discipline of rebuking sin. The wholeness and wellbeing of peace comes to the church when all parts are in harmony with the others.
Primarily, peace in the New Testament conveys the reconciliation made by God through the reconciling work of Christ on the cross. This is God’s action as described in Colossians 1:19-20: “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” When I think of this peace, I am drawn to two cherished lines in one of my favorite hymns, His Robes for Mine. This thought is striking: “He as though I, accursed and left alone; I as though He, embraced and welcomed home!” This is peace obtained by Christ being rejected by the Father so that we might take His place as the Father’s own. Truly it is peace that passes all understanding. Likewise, Stuart Townsend in his hymn, How Deep the Father’s Love wrote this compelling line: “Why should I gain from His reward, I cannot find an answer; but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.” This line reflects a meaningful exposition of our theology. Christ’s reward is the promise made by the Father to give Him a people for His name. Those that are ransomed, redeemed, and reconciled to God receive from Christ’s reward the benefit of perfect peace with the Father.
Thoughts of present circumstances and earthly disappointments fade into oblivion when the incomparable peace of God is rightly considered. Reconciliation is the fountain of our peace in which God showers many simultaneous streams. These are beyond our ability to analyze. “The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.” It is the apostle’s simple ending, but no doubt carefully considered overcomes all disappointments.
Pastor V. Mark Smith