Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. I. How VALUABLE A GOOD PEACE IS IN ITSELF, AS IT STANDS OPPOSED TO BLOODY AND DESTRUCTIVE WARS. 1. Consider war in its causes — the wickedness of men, and the just vengeance of God. 2. Consider war in itself — the destruction of creatures made after the image of God. 3. Consider war in its consequences and effects. II. WHAT THINGS ARE REQUISITE TO MAKE THIS A REAL AND COMPLETE BLESSING, CAPABLE OF BEING APPROPRIATED UNTO GOD'S OWN PECULIAR PEOPLE. 1. Conjunction with copious effusion of the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 29:23-29). 2. When the gospel of peace has its free course, and a large spread in the world (Micah 4:2, 3). 3. When, according to Divine dictates, kings do reign and princes decree justice (Proverbs 7:15; Isaiah 1:26). 4. When God gives pastors after his own heart. 5. When hereupon the Divine government obtains, and takes place in the minds and consciences of men (Psalm 67). 6. When there is a manifest prevalency of Divine love among men that bear the same name of Christians. 7. When God appears to be reconciled to such a people. For in His favour is life. There is a spiritual sort of blessing that may be enclosed in the external blessing, and particularly in this of peace. Such an external blessing as that of peace is not a complete blessing. Because it is no argument of Gold's special favour. Men are not made by it the better men. They may by it become so much the worse men. "The prosperity of fools destroys them." The first Scipio opened the way to the Roman power, the second to their luxury. Their virtue languished, and they were conquered by their own vices, who before could conquer the world. Man, notwithstanding an external peace, may be as miserable in this, and in another world, as if they had never known it. III. SEE WHAT CAUSE OF THANKSGIVING WE HAVE, WITH REFERENCE TO PEACE AS A GENERAL GOOD; AND ALSO WHAT CAUSE OF SUPPLICATION, THAT WE MAY HAVE PEACE AS THE SPECIAL BLESSING OF GOD'S PEOPLE. Let us pray — 1. That there may be a larger diffusion of vital religion, wherein stands, indeed, man's being at peace with God. 2. That there may be that spirit as a spirit of mutual love among Christians, to reconcile them to one another. (John Howe, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. |
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