Prince of Peace

"For to us a child is born.

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Over the last 3 weeks we have been looking at how Jesus fulfilled each of the different roles in Isaiah 9:6. This week, week 4, we are focusing on the title "Prince of Peace."

It doesn't matter where we live or what we believe, we all desire peace. We live in a world where war and civil disturbances are a reality, in virtually every nation of the world. All throughout history, world leaders have spoken of peace and spiritual leaders have given their insight into how to achieve peace.

What is peace?

The Dictionary defines peace not only as a "state of tranquillity or quiet" but also as "freedom from civil disturbance" and "freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions."

But the Biblical concept of peace is much fuller than that.

The Hebrew word for peace - 'shalom' means a sense of completeness, success, fulfilment, wholeness, harmony, security and well being.

It is God's perfect peace.

It is what we might experience when we say, "it is well with my soul."

Sometimes, we can feel that it is impossible in the midst of the turmoil of life, to attain and maintain a lifestyle of peace. We struggle with fear of the future, conflicts in relationships, financial stress, health problems and so much more.

Because our souls long for peace, we attempt to attain it a variety of ways - through people, leaders, finances, comfort and substances. But no matter how hard we try, we will never have true and lasting peace until we meet the source of it.

In order to have peace within ourselves and with others, we first need to make peace between ourselves and God. Having a restored relationship with God is the foundation for peace with all of creation.

Jesus came as our " Prince of Peace" to be the One who would finally bring peace to the world. He came into a world filled with darkness and tribulation to govern righteously and justly and He overcame the world by dying on the cross to give us salvation and eternal life.

Our peace on earth is knowing and believing that our victory over death is in Jesus. In Him, we have everlasting peace that transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds when we stay focused on Him. (Philippians 4:7)

Through Jesus, the storm will be stilled. (Mark 4:39) Through Jesus there is light in the dark. (John 8:12)

Jesus' peace invites a calmness into our lives no matter what is looming around us. He is the balm for the hurting soul.

He gives us peace during the trials of life and encourages us not to be troubled. (John 14:27)

He offers peace to us while we are on our personal journey with Christ until He returns. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

He longs to be a restorer of relationships and in doing so, we, His children, learn to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs it. (Matthew 5:9)

We can be voices of hope to people around us who do not know the peace that Jesus provides.

As our "Prince of Peace," He is the heir of the Kingdom, and at His second coming He will establish an eternal kingdom of peace and justice on earth. His eternal plan is to restore us, and to give us a life of abundant grace, peace and joy.

How truly amazing is that.

God bless