He Will Speak Peace

Read Numbers 8

Read Psalm 85

Psalm 85:8 "Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly."

In this verse we are warned not to return to folly, that is to the foolish ways of the devil, the world, and the sinful flesh. We are told repeatedly in Scripture that to be wise is to have a proper fear of the Lord. That is the beginning and the source of wisdom. And as we heed this warning we refuse to head back to sinfulness and idolatry. So, consider yourselves warned.

But what spoke to my hear today is the good news of this verse. Yes, let me hear what Yahweh God will speak. Let me listen. Let me be attentive, let me listen, let me remember. Why? Because he will speak peace to his people.

Peace. I could use a good dose of peace today. What better medicine is there? There is so much turmoil in the world: in international relations, in American politics, in the weather, in our health, in our workplaces, in our homes...there is unrest, problems, sin, and difficulties everywhere. Chances are that if you are sitting somewhere reading this blog, you could use a good dose of peace.

Well, listen to God. He is speaking peace to you. In his Holy Word he assures us that he will revive us again. He is the giver of steadfast love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace. Since all of these are his gifts, the psalmist poetically portrays them as being close and relating to one another, saying that they "meet" and "kiss." (v. 10).

Yes, all these are given to you today. And they come to you through this very Word of God. And they come to you through this Word because of the the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ. Yes, God would be angry forever and indignant (v.5), and he would have every right to do so, if it had not been for his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life on the cross for us. He suffered the punishment of God's eternal wrath that we might be saved. For this reason alone, God has forgiven the iniquity of his people (v. 2).

I need peace today. So do you. Well, God says that he has steadfast love for us. This love is a gift. He has a gift of righteousness for us. He has a gift of faith, given to us by the Spirit. He has given us the gift of peace as well.

Peace with God. Peace in our hearts, even though we live in a world of turmoil.

And we will have "Peace at the last," as the Daily Office Compline puts it (LSB 253). Yes, we are taught to pray for our eternal rest. Pray, and have confidence! It is ours through Christ.

Pray:

"The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and peace at the last. Amen.
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, O Most High;
to herald Your love in the morning, Your truth at the close of the day." Amen.

(LSB, Compline, p. 253)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!