GOD’S PROMISE TO HIS NATION
There
is a promise that belongs to God’s redeemed and believing people in
every age and in every circumstance. It is the promise of peace. Not
peace without turmoil but peace in the midst of turmoil. This world,
no matter what group rules it, since they are all sinners like us,
will have trouble. Greed, thirst for power and glory, the very
displays of the same fallen nature that plagues us will be
demonstrated by them. So our peace will not come by what they do and
certainly not by fretting over the state of affairs in our nation and
world.
No,
this promise of peace is found in Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he
trusteth in Thee.” But as in all the promises of God there
is a character described of those to whom it belongs. In this promise
it is, “him… whose mind is stayed upon Thee.” It
belongs to those “looking unto Jesus.” Those who
trust in God. “In God We Trust” is inscribed on the money
of our nation but it has long been erased from the hearts and minds
of most of its citizens.
But
by grace, within this troubled and declining nation is another. The
apostle calls it a “holy nation.” “But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out
of darkness into His marvelous light” [I
PETER
2:9].
It is the nation of God’s elect, redeemed and therefore believing
people. Men and women from other nations are also a part of this
“holy nation.” Their holiness is in Christ Jesus. He is
our Lord and Ruler. He is ruling all things with a sovereign, steady
and almighty hand. None can stay His hand, not the most powerful
leaders of nations.
Our
King has made peace with God on our behalf by the blood of His cross.
It is a perfect peace and through His work He gives us a peace that
passes understanding. No matter what might be taking place in our
earthly nation which might concern us, we know that we are as all
God’s people, strangers and pilgrims passing through. This world is
not our home. As our Savior, we are not of this world. We are
children of the great King who works all things together for our good
and His glory.
He
is the One who, in the midst of the greatest trouble, says, “Peace
be still” and the waves of unrest die to a quiet calm.
Instead of fretting [PSALM 37]
let us pray to our gracious and wise God that He might give us this
peace by enabling us to trust Him. This is our peace, “Alleluia,
the Lord God omnipotent reigns!”
-Gospel report by preacher Gary Shepard
Sovereign
Grace Baptist church of Jacksonville, North Carolina USA
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