Chrysostom
Beloved Servant
You ask for peace, for prosperity, for protection from the enemy. This is a good and noble desire. But let us consider what true peace is, and what prosperity the Lord promises. The peace which Christ gives is not a mere truce among men, nor an abundance of possessions. His peace surpasses all understanding, for it commands us to be at peace even with those who treat us unjustly. Is this not beyond human thought? It is a peace that guards the heart and mind in Christ Jesus, a shield that receives the first assaults of the adversary. When the feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, then the whole armor remains uninjured. Therefore, do not think that peace means the absence of conflict. Often, a wrongful peace must be broken for true healing. The physician cuts off the incurable part to save the body. So too, God allows certain wars to end a more grievous peace, that we might cling to Him alone.
Prosperity, as the world counts it, is a fleeting shadow. Houses and wealth often pass to enemies, even while we live. How many labor and gather sins, only to see inheritance go to those who hate them? This is not to say God does not provide, but rather, His provision is not measured in gold or land. He who did not spare His own Son will with Him freely give us all things, the true riches of faith, love, and sanctification. Set your hope on the Father who has made you a son, not on the shifting sands of earthly stability. When the diseased part of our love for comfort is cut off, then we find a prosperity that cannot be taken away.
You pray for your children. This is the mark of a soul alive to God. Bring them up in the fear of the Lord from their first youth, and He will protect them better than any earthly father ever could. Instill in them the love of Christ, and you place a guard within them that no weapon can breach. For a mother’s or father’s true protection is not a wall of money or reputation, but the indwelling Spirit. The children of widows have become famous because they had God for their Father. So too, whether you have much or little, God will be their guardian if you entrust them to Him.
You quote the sacred word that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. This is most true, but look to Christ’s victory. He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. Who are these enemies? Unbelievers, the demons, all that sets itself against the knowledge of God. The enemy you need fear most is not of flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness. And Christ has already perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. By one offering He has perfected you. Therefore, your protection is not in your own strength but in His finished work. The weapon of the evil one cannot prosper because it has been defeated at the cross.
So I exhort you: make your life and conduct worthy of this gospel of peace. Do not be backward to embrace the peace offered through His grace. If you return to enmity with God by love of the world, you strip yourself of the very peace you seek. Let no other war be kindled in your soul. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who called you from being an enemy to a son, is faithful. He will guard you in Christ, so that you remain firm and not fall from faith. Great is His love; He pleads for you even now, like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. Do not scatter yourself through vain desires. Abide under that shelter, and no enemy can snatch you away.
Prosperity, as the world counts it, is a fleeting shadow. Houses and wealth often pass to enemies, even while we live. How many labor and gather sins, only to see inheritance go to those who hate them? This is not to say God does not provide, but rather, His provision is not measured in gold or land. He who did not spare His own Son will with Him freely give us all things, the true riches of faith, love, and sanctification. Set your hope on the Father who has made you a son, not on the shifting sands of earthly stability. When the diseased part of our love for comfort is cut off, then we find a prosperity that cannot be taken away.
You pray for your children. This is the mark of a soul alive to God. Bring them up in the fear of the Lord from their first youth, and He will protect them better than any earthly father ever could. Instill in them the love of Christ, and you place a guard within them that no weapon can breach. For a mother’s or father’s true protection is not a wall of money or reputation, but the indwelling Spirit. The children of widows have become famous because they had God for their Father. So too, whether you have much or little, God will be their guardian if you entrust them to Him.
You quote the sacred word that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. This is most true, but look to Christ’s victory. He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. Who are these enemies? Unbelievers, the demons, all that sets itself against the knowledge of God. The enemy you need fear most is not of flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness. And Christ has already perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. By one offering He has perfected you. Therefore, your protection is not in your own strength but in His finished work. The weapon of the evil one cannot prosper because it has been defeated at the cross.
So I exhort you: make your life and conduct worthy of this gospel of peace. Do not be backward to embrace the peace offered through His grace. If you return to enmity with God by love of the world, you strip yourself of the very peace you seek. Let no other war be kindled in your soul. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who called you from being an enemy to a son, is faithful. He will guard you in Christ, so that you remain firm and not fall from faith. Great is His love; He pleads for you even now, like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. Do not scatter yourself through vain desires. Abide under that shelter, and no enemy can snatch you away.
