December 2: THE PERFECT PEACE PLAN
Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end. Isaiah 9:7a
It is a delightful occupation to list descriptive names, titles, and epithets for our indescribably great God. Starting with Genesis 1:1, Creator comes to mind. The Hebrew word for this concept presents hundreds of times as Him who made… (See Exodus 20:11 and compare to Revelation 14:7). A recurring theme in Exodus reveals Him as the Deliverer: “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2). Judges reveals Him as wonderful to Manoah, the father of Samson (Judges 13:18 – the same Hebrew root is in Isaiah 9:6), and then ascends toward heaven in the sacrificial flame on Manoah’s altar (Judges 13:20), thus foreshadowing His offering of Himself over a thousand years later. In his final act, Samson foreshadowed Christ when he stretched out his arms and died with the enemies of God (Judges 16:29-30). The epithets Mighty God and Everlasting Father reference His divinity. Those who heed the perfect counsel of the divine Counselor become a part of the royal family of the Prince of Peace. Such peace is available now, and it is not dependent upon worldly circumstances.
It is interesting to note that, as the government of God’s professed people was shriveling right before their eyes, Isaiah points to the One whose government will increase throughout eternity. Does this happen by making more rules and laws? No, for that is man’s supposed solution to the problems of the world. And this brings us to the core attribute of God: LOVE. This is the foundation of His government. It is the very thing that eludes all who rebel against the governing principles of God as laid out in the Ten Commandments. By contrast, all who humbly submit to them will find that these commands are being divinely and lovingly transcribed directly upon their hearts. They find that the only God that they desire is the True One. The casting aside of idols is no longer a challenge. Bringing glory to His name is their greatest joy. Resting fully in His provision for every aspect of life restores a vitality that was missing before. Hallowing the popular ideas and convenience of man no longer holds any attraction. Along comes a fervent desire to honor parents, and a renewed warmth for family. Gone is the inclination to murder, commit adultery, steal, or bear false witness of any kind against another person. And covetousness? What is that? Every good and perfect personality trait is enhanced by the voluntary alignment of a soul with the perfect will of God. No longer does any negative trait rear its ugly head. These are all facets of self-control, the culminating factor of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Seeing that these traits are all covered by the Ten Commandments, we cringe to recognize that we still have a ways to go… But, beloved, if the direction of your life reveals that you are in a solid pattern of growth, pause and give thanks that our gracious Lord has brought you this far (for you are not what you were) and genuinely ask Him to continue leading, knowing that His plan for you is The Best!
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:3-6