“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)
The phrase “God of peace” occurs in the New Testament five times by itself; six if you count the one in the previous lesson. Peace means so much more than quietness and security, it also encompasses wholeness with everything operating in perfect harmony; perfect balance that can’t be thrown off-center or out of focus. God dispenses peace every time we meet Him because He IS peace. The unity aspect of peace is expressed in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Romans 16:17-20 describes the God of peace as a mighty warrior: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
We might have trouble understanding the God of “peace” crushing Satan. But remembering that peace includes wholeness, and recognizing that Satan is the devourer and divider – God in His unselfish love chooses for the highest good, and crushing Satan is the perfect, peaceful solution.
Reflection: Isn’t the God of peace amazing? He floods our lives with wisdom, wholeness, security, unity, balance, equipping; and those are just a few of the aspects of His peace.