“He will be called . . . Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Will there ever be peace on earth?
Most days the answer seems to be no.
But this name brings good news with it.
The phrase literally means “the prince whose coming brings peace.” It is the climax of all that has gone before. The word “prince” means something like “General of the Army.” It speaks of his high position. The word “peace” speaks of his basic nature.
All over the globe there are ethnic conflicts and tribal wars. As I write these words there is turmoil in Syria, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Chechnya, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Libya, the India-China border, the Republic of Georgia, Dagestan, and in the East China Sea.
We’re almost immune to violence because we live in a violent world.
Isaiah 9:6 tells us that God’s plan for world peace focuses on a baby asleep in a manger in Bethlehem. He is the ultimate Prince of Peace.
*In the past, his coming made peace with God.
*In the present, those who trust in him find peace in their hearts when Christ comes in.
*In the future, his second coming will usher in a kingdom of peace.
We live in a world marked by strife and bloodshed.
He is not a failure. We are.
God’s ultimate plan for peace rests not in treaties or education or material prosperity. God’s plan for peace is the Maker of Peace, Jesus Christ.
To know him is to know blessing and happiness. To live without him means a life that is restless and miserable.
He came to bring peace.
He did. He does. He will.
Will you do what makes for peace? Is there someone you need to be make peace with? You can do it because Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Lord Jesus, you came to bring peace to a world torn by sin and suffering. Make me an instrument of your peace today. Amen.
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You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free email sermon.