The Prince of Peace

This world is always seeking peace, isn't it? It may not always be on the homefront, but somewhere in our world there is always war; there are hostilities of all kinds occurring at all times. Even more, there is often "war" at home--in families. Is there hope for this plight?

As I have mentioned the last few days, Israel was facing a perilous situation. In their very near future was invasion by a foreign nation, and subjection to foreign kings for hundreds of years. For them, peace was nowhere in sight, much less lasting peace.

Enter: the Child born in Bethelehem.

"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." Isaiah 9:6

This prophecy given by God through the prophet Isaiah must have been music to Israel's ears! A Prince is coming, and He will be a Wonder of a Counselor (in government and the military), He will be the all-powerful, Mighty God, who is our eternal, loving, caring Father. And He will bring peace....

This is precisely where Israel became sidetracked. In looking at this verse, among others, they saw a Messiah who was God Himself, who would come to bring national peace by means of military prowess.

What they failed to grasp is what we, too, need to understand. Simply terminating war does not bring about everlasting peace. Simply removing the invader or the suppressor or the home-breaker does not usher in eternal love.

Rather, to have everlasting peace we must first remove the cause of war: sin. When sin is removed, then there can be true, lasting peace. For man's sin to be removed there must be peace between God and man. In other words, man must be at peace with God, and God must be at peace with man. The enmity between God and mankind must be removed. When that happens, then there can be true, lasting peace.

Enter: the Son given to us.

"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

The Prince of Peace was promised not merely to bring in national peace for Israel, but ultimate, complete, eternal peace that only the Mighty God and Everlasting Father can provide. This Prince furnished peace by paying the ultimate price to remove the cause of war.

"For He Himself is our peace..."
Ephesians 2:4

Are you looking for some peace in your life? Are you seeking true, authentic peace? There is eternal peace offered to you as a free gift from the Prince of Peace. Simply place your trust in Him alone (Romans 5:1, 6:23). There is daily peace offered to you by the Child of Bethlehem. This is called the "peace that passes all understanding." Simply lay your cares at His feet (Philippians 4:6-7).

Above all, understand that the Prince who is the Father of Eternity has come, and He offers Himself to you. He is peace, and He wants you to have all of Him. When you have the Child, you have peace.

"And you, Child, will be called the prophet of the Highest...
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace."
Luke 1:76, 79