Prince of Peace
When we hear the phrase Prince of Peace, we often hear just the sentence in which it occurs:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
The arrival of this Prince of Peace is more than just a birth. It is described as
Light coming into places of deep darkness
Joy like harvest time (think of Thanksgiving abundance.)
Joy like dividing the spoils of war, freedom from tyrannical oppressors, and the release of heavy burdens.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV
This is where the title Prince of Peace comes from, a passage about victorious battles, of uprising and revolt against enemies, hard-fought freedom which ushers in an age of peace, resulting in great joy.
This is what Jesus, the Prince of Peace has accomplished for us.
It is one thing to be outside in the dark during the night.
It is another to have deep darkness inside your soul—depravity, depression, or despair.
It is one thing to be oppressed from the outside, by Romans, to have choices taken away.
It is another to be enslaved within, by your own desires, unable to control yourself and the terrible choices you make.
It is one thing for your body to carry a heavy load.
It is another for your heart to carry the weight of shame, regret, and self-inflicted sorrow.
It is one thing to be poor and lacking, physically.
It is another to be impoverished in soul and spirit, feeling lonely, unloved, and unlovable.
We look for peace in outward remedies, wishing for change in our circumstances. What we truly need is a Savior to free us from the tyranny of sin and the weight our own failures and folly.
A Savior
To shine light into the darkest corners of our hearts
To set us free from addictions & evil desires
To lift our burdens of shame & regret
To fill our hearts with the love of God
Consider:
Does your heart long for peace?
Remember:
When you are outside at night, in the dark, remember how Jesus brings light to dark places in our hearts.
When you’re carrying heavy packages, remember the internal burdens Jesus came to relieve you of.
When you hear Christmas carols invoking peace, remember the true, powerful, rescuing Prince of Peace and the depth of His offering to us.
Share:
What are a few areas in your life where you long for peace during this season?
What robbers of peace do you need the Prince of Peace to arrest?
Where have you experienced the peace of Jesus?
Take a moment to post your comments below.