Two Pathways to Peace

This is the fourth and final installment of our devotionals on Isaiah 55. You can go back to view or review the previous postings if you wish. Let’s take a look at Isaiah 55:11-13.

11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 12 "For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 "Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, and it will be a memorial to the Lord, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off."

The truth in verse 11 is an absolute declaration of the power and veracity of “. . . every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Jesus citing this in Matthew 4:4). We Bible-believing saints anchor our hope in this foundational doctrine. This verse is cited often in declaring the trustworthiness of the gospel.

But take another look at these great verse in its context here. What exactly is God desiring to accomplish? What is God delighted to provide for those who seek Him while He may be found?

Joy! Peace!

I am indebted to R. T. Kendall, author of Pure Joy, for reminding us that joy and peace can be pursued by “syllogistic” application of the Word of God to our own hearts personally. This means that if something is true generally, and if you can claim it as true for you personally, then you can be assured that the general truth applies to you. Example: Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I have called on the name of the Lord. Therefore, I am saved.

This is the first pathway to peace. Believe the Word, meet the conditions of the Word, and then rejoice in the assurance of the application of the Word to you personally. Peace in the result of that process. Fact – Faith – Feeling.

Here is an insight from this passage that will thrill you. Peace is an unexpected, but welcome, embrace from our loving heavenly Father. Sometimes, God takes the initiative and floods our hearts with peace – just because He wants to. Just because He love us. Just because He takes delight in doing so. This is the second pathway to peace. Be ready to respond to God when He lavish3s His love on us in unexpected moments. And so, we are led forth with peace.

Whether we take the initiative or are delighted as God takes the initiative, peace is the birthright of every true child of God. Notice how both the word of Christ and the peace of Christ co-mingle in our hearts to keep us on God’s glorious pathway for our lives.

Colossians 3:15-16a. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16a Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, . . .

Let me leave you today with the third of those three benedictions in Numbers 6:22-27. “May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”