The coming of the Messiah was predicted by the prophet Isaiah around 700 BC. His prophecies recorded in the Bible referring to Jesus are quoted worldwide, especially during Christmas every year:
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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
[Sidebar: Zeal is such an interesting word. It is used 46 times in the Bible but mostly in relation to our zealousness in pursuing God. So it causes one to think that if God’s “zeal” is demonstrated in His determined objective to place Jesus firmly on David’s throne, then are we to show the same level of zeal in our pursuit of God? Wow]With this prophecy, the various roles of Jesus were declared: a child, a son, a government, a counselor, God, father, and a prince. Although Prince of Peace was last, it was, and is, of great significance. Without peace, the continuity of life would not, and could not, be possible. That is why the Son of God, King of kings has come into the world He created.
Jesus Christ is the only reason we can truly live peacefully with God. The right relationship with God is the foundation of living in harmony with all His creation. In Jesus, our fears in death are removed and replaced with the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). The Son of God has become the Prince of Peace so that we, the children of God, may become the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9, Isaiah 57:19). With the peace of God reigning over our lives, we will see heaven on earth as we are expectantly waiting for the second coming of the Prince of Peace.
Most Christians scholars believe that this Messianic prophecy found in the book of Isaiah describes Jesus in His position of authority. His “government” would be ever-increasing, and He would sit on the throne of David forever. While we know that Jesus is the King of kings, these Scriptures speak about the nature of His reign.
We serve a King of peace, not chaos. The world often views our God as anything but peaceful. They point to scripture in the Old Testament and use them out of context to make Him seem vengeful and hateful. But this is NOT our God! He is a God of peace and order. Simply look at the fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace, patience… these are the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives because they specifically describe His nature. And when God fills our heart, His attributes become apparent in our lives.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. 1 Corinthians 14:33
The mission of Christ was to bring peace to the world. The death and resurrection of Jesus was always the plan. God longed to transform our chaotic and hateful world into a world filled with His peace and love. And referring to Jesus as the Prince of Peace spoke to His mission. He would be the One to finally bring peace to the world.
The peace of Christ is a key to have harmony in life, enabling us to live with a grateful heart (Colossians 3:15). Jesus addresses not only our spiritual needs but also our emotional and physical concerns. He knows that we need a work-life balance. In fact, Jesus commanded us to work (John 9:4) and rest (Matthew 11:28) in Him – a lifestyle that will bring us true fulfillment.
As we have been reconciled with God, we are to dedicate our lives to serve for His kingdom, not for our own pleasures. The work of the Holy Spirit produces truth, peace, and joy in us as the kingdom of God becomes our focus and priority (Romans 14:17). God’s peace also unites His people for building up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:33, Ephesians 4:1-3).
Knowing that Christ is our peace, let us entrust our lives to Him. Let us surrender our burdens (anxieties, doubts, fears, and restlessness) to Jesus so that we may experience His perfect peace in our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
Jesus is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20), therefore He is able to give us the true peace that nobody else can offer (John 14:27). In His perfect peace, we may continue to experience the love of God that casts away our fears.
“I will teach them a new word: peace. I will give peace to those who are near and to those who are far away. I will heal them.” The Lord himself said this (Isaiah 57:19, ERV).
So, let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts this season.
For God and you,
Deb Bostwick