"... OF PEACE THERE WILL BE NO END" Thoughts from Today's Bible readings - May 19th

"... OF PEACE THERE WILL BE NO END" Thoughts from Today's Bible readings - May 19th
D.Caudery What interesting and faith-stimulating readings we have today! In Joshua we read of the people crossing the Jordan into the promised land. To make the miracle even more evident they did it in the harvest time floods, when "the Jordan overflows all its banks". (ch.3 v.15] Of course, the harvest would be most valuable for them after the ‘food’ during their wilderness journeys; all these events would leave the people in no doubt of God's guiding care - and it would also exalt Joshua in their eyes.

When he turn to Isaiah we read a prophecy of the greater Joshua, that the time is coming when "to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called..." [9 v.6] And what is he to be known as? We can see the words given - in the sense of being his reputation! He is ultimately seen as "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David ... "[v.7]

It is prophetic visions such as this that inspired - and today inspires - believers in God and his Son. It is the "great light" that takes away the "gloom" and the "deep darkness." [v.1,2] It did for those who recognised Jesus in his first coming - and it does so today - for those who, in faith, carefully read and believe God's word.

And yet - today - it puts them in awe of what is to come, they are "fully aware," as we read today in the 5th chapter of 1st Thessalonians "that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them ...” [v.2,3]. But we, "since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him." [v.8-10] in the coming time "of peace" (to which) there will be no end." May our “breastplate” and “helmet” be secure! Our diligent reading of God’s word is an essential part to achieving this.