The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7a “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

True peace is a result, a natural bi-product, and the fruit of our restored righteousness with God through his Son, our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and, by grace, is a free gift from God to everyone who chooses to believe and accept the offer of salvation by faith alone, that leads to spiritual “rebirth” and the indwelling of the Spirit of God. You look at the world around us today, and you see that they do not see or perceive the seriousness of their willful disobedience to God. The sinful bent towards being the god of our own life and making all our decisions free from a higher power’s standard, (we’ll call Him “God”), is the downfall of mankind and puts us at enmity with our sovereign Creator, so the unrepentant finds no real and lasting peace. Ephesians 2:1-5 explains, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.” The God-rejecting world system, the flesh (our self-centered desires) and Satan do not want us to hear, know or even think about sin and the consequence of that sin today and tomorrow, lest we seek God’s mercy & grace.

What great loss did God have to suffer, and what great price did Jesus have to pay for our sinful transgressions and iniquities; for our restored relationship and our peace? The Holy Scriptures tells us: Isaiah 53:5-6 & 8b “But He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Romans 4:25 – 5:2 “He (Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the (confident) hope of the glory of God.” This is why through Christ alone we receive forgiveness, salvation, adoption by God - our Father, eternal life, citizenship in the kingdom of Heaven, and the fruit of the Spirit which includes peace. Don’t bother looking anywhere else, except Jesus – the Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2 & 4-5 "But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one (Jesus) who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace.” Jesus is our peace! I saw a car license plate cover that read: “No Jesus, No Peace / Know Jesus, Know Peace”. How true! To know and follow Jesus, as Redeemer and Lord, is to know the voice of the “Good Shepherd” that laid down his life for the sheep and listen to him - John 10:1-18. The Shepherd that brings us peace, comfort and contentment by leading us to the peaceful and satisfying green pastures and still waters of life. By restoring our soul and by leading us on paths of righteousness For His name’s sake – Psalm 23:1-4. Can the world provide this? Solus Christus ("Christ alone")

In John 14:27, Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Also in Philippians 4:4-7, we are told, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Christians, Believers, Disciples and Followers of the Prince of Peace have something to shout about; something that the world does not know – the peace of Christ. Spread the good news. It’s what everyone is looking for, in all the wrong places. Peace be with you and peace be within you!

Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

In Christ, Brian