Unity of Hope

Here we have unity of hope with the Jews. They, indeed, are looking for earthly glory—their city and temple being rebuilt, etc.—that part of the future blessing in Christ of which Psa. 72 speaks. And we also look forward to see "the whole earth be filled with His glory," while Christ's own proper portion in the heavenly glory is our peculiar hope. Both earthly and heavenly glories meet in Jesus, and will be manifested when He comes. He is the Head of both. "The counsel of peace" is between Jehovah and the Messiah.
Where is Jesus now? As "the man whose name is The Branch," the "priest upon His throne"—an earthly throne—He does not yet rule; peace is not yet established upon the earth, for Satan is yet exercising his power. But there is a throne upon which He does sit. He has sat down upon the "Father's throne"—at "the right hand of the Majesty on high," and this "when He had by Himself purged our sins." There He is as the High Priest of His people. And thus is given to us a plain revelation of "the counsel of peace." Peace is our portion even now. We are set in the exercise of faith, by which we know and have this peace in our souls, while waiting for its establishment on the earth, and the time of the manifested glory.
There is a "counsel of peace" which belongs to us, an assured peace, peace indeed in the midst of present trouble, but still God's peace. If it were not God's peace, it would be good for nothing. I may, it is true, have my spirit much disturbed, and know trial of heart, but still I have a title to perfect peace amidst all—not only peace with God, but peace concerning every circumstance, because God is "for us" in it all.
Had not man been in rebellion against God, there would have been no need for "the counsel of peace.”
Adam in paradise needed it not. But man has rebelled, and though its modifications may be various, rebellion against God is still the characteristic of the unconverted heart. Such was his rebellion, that peace between man and God seemed impossible. But now, wondrous grace! we see that there is not only peace, but a "counsel of peace"—thoughts of God concerning peace, thoughts which Jesus alone could meet. "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God.”