THE teaching of paganism was that various deities were presiding over the destinies of men. Consequently they believed that, if they were not prosperous in any particular, the reason was that the god that governed the matter had been offended and needed to be propitiated. Thus we find that again and again great sacrifices were made to the gods of peace, of war, of fertility, etc., etc.
In regard to every phase and department of their lives there was a god calling for propitiation. All the gods of their imagination appeared to be always against them and ever needing to be made favorable by sacrifice. They knew nothing of a God who loved them.
The hearts of men are ever the same, and hence though today they boast loudly of their advancement, which is manifest in certain directions, they are rapidly going back to that benighted condition of things. The modern god that so many consider is the god of, “luck;” and the various charms and mascots that are the vogue are witness to the spell that he casts upon them. We have only to read 1 Samuel 4, to see how the people of Israel tried to turn the Ark of God into a mascot that should ensure success to them; and how God refused to honor His. Ark in that way, though He honored it very effectually a little later in the land of the Philistines.
When we turn to the New Testament we see how God stooped in His grace to encourage the once darkened minds of His people. He takes up things which they long desired, and sought in vain from their false gods, only to show them that in Himself alone was their all-sufficiency.
In just one chapter—Romans 15—we get abundant proof of this, for therein God is presented to us as the God of patience, of consolation, of hope, and of peace. No thought of any need of propitiation enters there, for we who once were enemies have been reconciled to Him.
How much we need patience for we are in a scene which is very contrary to us. Things continually transpire which cross our wills, and this demands patient endurance on our side.
Then again consolation (that is, comfort and encouragement), is something that we need to have continually supplied. In verse 4 we find the means by which both patience and consolation are supplied. We have hope “through patience and comfort of the Scriptures.” So if we neglect the reading of the Scriptures and meditation therein, we do so to our great loss.
But faith must be in very active exercise or we get nothing. Hence we read, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Our hope is only sure if it is centered in God. “Hope thou in God,” was the Psalmist’s word. We read also of how David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Knowing God as the God of patience, consolation and hope, we cannot fail to know Him as the God of peace, for when He giveth quietness who then can make trouble? Trouble may be made but it will not affect us, for God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.
Seven times over is God spoken of as the “God of peace:” once in our chapter, and again 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:1111Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11); Philippians 4:99Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9); 1 Thessalonians 5:2323And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23); 2 Thessalonians 3:1616Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16); Hebrews 13:2020Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20). When the Lord was on earth He made Himself known as the Fountain-head of peace for His disciples saying, “In the world ye shall have tribulation:” but also, “In Me ye might have peace.” (John 16:3333These 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)). Peace then should mark all the children of God, for He is not the Author of unrest, disquiet, confusion, but of peace.
What a great matter it is that though we are in the midst of the enemy’s country we may be preserved in perfect peace. It IS the triumph of divine grace when this is so. It is one of the great characteristic blessings of God’s kingdom or rule—“Righteousness, and peace, and by in the Holy Ghost.” (Rom. 14:1717For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)).