Isaiah 9:1–7 ‘And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (v6)
This passage in Isaiah tells us about the One who is promised – the One who would come, a child who would be born, who would walk among us as a man and yet be so much more.
He is God in the flesh (Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:3), the One who would counsel us with His wisdom and show us who God is. He is also the ‘Prince of Peace’ (v6).
Everywhere we look, it seems, there is conflict, chaos, worry and fear. So where, then, is the peace that God promises?
One day, we will see His magnificent rule on earth, as Isaiah tells us – ‘of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end’ (v7). But we don’t see it manifested here yet.
So, how do we experience peace, while living in a hurting world? When talking with His disciples before His arrest and subsequent crucifixion, Jesus told them that peace was to be found in Him (John 16:33; see also John 14:27).
It isn’t found in the things of the world – it is found in a person. When Jesus was born, angels declared to shepherds the glory of God, and ‘peace to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14).
God, in Jesus, was providing the way back to fellowship with Him. He was announcing peace between God and humankind, in the coming of Christ. Jesus Himself is peace!
Knowing Jesus means we have an inner peace that blesses us with confidence whatever the circumstances. Our peace, in Him and with Him, is therefore not dependent on our current situation; experiencing the Prince of Peace is to encounter Peace personified.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. You are my peace with God, my stillness and my confidence. Let me walk in peace with You and others today. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
After His resurrection, Jesus spoke peace to His perplexed disciples (John 20:19,21,26). Do you need to hear Him speak peace to you today?
Scripture To Consider:
Judg. 6:1–24; Ps. 4:1–8; Matt. 5:3–10; John 20:19–29
