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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. Isaiah 9:6
When you think of peace, what picture comes to mind? A quiet lake with trees reflecting like glass? A sunrise or sunset? The gentle sound of water lapping against the shore?
One of my favorite paintings symbolizing peace is the picture of a huge waterfall. The water was plunging over a cliff and in the background bolts of lightning lit up the sky. Yet, tucked into the cliff in a quiet safe place, was a bird securely snuggled into it’s nest. Peace in the midst of the storm.
Thomas Watson once wrote, “If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.”
I love the last part of that statement. The world creates trouble in the time of peace, but God, and only God, can create peace in the midst of trouble.
Jesus warns us that trouble would be a natural part of our world, yet he promised that he had already overcome the world. Those problems facing you tomorrow? Already handled. The answer is on the way!
Isaiah describes Messiah as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and our Prince of Peace. Prince of Peace is an interesting term. The name “Prince of Peace” in Hebrew is ‘Shar Shalom’, which means “the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.” The prince would often lead the charge in battle. He had all the tools and resources he’d need to defeat the enemy. He had the blessing of the King.
Jesus not only protects the peace, as a mighty warrior he defeats everything that would take away our peace. He destroys the peace destroyers that threaten our lives. He can heal the broken relationship. He comforts us when we need comforting. He allows strength when we are weak, courage when we are afraid, love when we feel abandoned, valued when we are rejected.
This week as we focus on peace, let us remember that anything that would rob us of peace has been defeated on the cross!
“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” (Ephesians 2:14)
This past Advent season we spent out time examining the names given to the baby in the manger by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6). Although I’ve heard this passage many times, and spoken on it several times as well, this year I was given insights never seen before. That’s one of the amazing things about the Bible, for those of us who study it. The most familiar passages can constantly bring new meaning to our lives as we open our minds to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit.
The last Sunday in December we were reminded that Jesus is our Prince of Peace. Peace is something that eludes a vast majority of the world’s population. Some are entangled in conflicts that eventually take their lives either through violence, disease or natural disaster. Others are engaged in conflicts of the soul, struggling with emotional or mental illness, various kinds of addictions or the hidden bruises of abuse.
Jesus IS our Peace. The word peace in Isaiah 9:6, is the Hebrew word SHALOM. SHALOM goes far beyond what most of us think of as peace. SHALOM peace, goes far beyond the superficial peace of prosperity, lack of conflict and good health. SHALOM peace goes directly to the very depths of the soul.
The real beauty of SHALOM peace? It’s unaffected by our circumstances. The day before I wrote this article, a dear friend of mine lost his wife (temporarily) to cancer. One day they will be reunited with their savior. It was amazing to watch her over the years. The disease ravaged her body, but her spirit remained at peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Renee was an inspiration to us all.
That brings up another aspect of SHALOM peace. In its essence, SHALOM peace naturally overflows to those around us when practiced gracefully. SHALOM peace isn’t concerned about political correctness, homophobia, intolerance or racism. The goal of SHALOM peace is to bring unity.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians states, “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” (Ephesians 2:14)
The disciple of Jesus Christ knows peace even during those times we are misunderstood, falsely accused, or ‘labeled’ because we know that our validity isn’t dependent on what others think, but on how God views us. ALL people are created in his image. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. That’s why he sent Jesus to be our reconciliation to him, and to have a ministry of reconciliation to others.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for our precious Prince of Peace who stands by me in the most difficult of situations. Help me to live SHALOM peace in my own life so that it may spread to others. Amen.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 