NAMES OF JESUS: PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6 - 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.
Jesus will be called the Prince of Peace – Peace in this verse is all about “Rest in mind and heart” Jews wish one another with “Shalom” and Muslims “Salem”
which all means pronouncing peace upon one another. Shanthi/ Amaithi/ Samathanam are relative
meanings.
Peace cannot be purchased with money - Millionaire struggle to get peace inspite of the accumulation of wealth. Most of them struggle with stress and sleepless nights. The peace that the Bible promises is not determined by the circumstances, but a state of mind.
A King was asking his artists to draw a perfect picture defining peace – there were many beautiful paintings and arts were brought where the king chose two pictures for the first price. One had calm, quiet waters with the background of beautiful mountains and streams. The other had similar scenery in the front but the background had storm, lightning and thunder. As the king noticed, amidst the storm he found a bird hatching her eggs peacefully. He selected the second one saying that “Peace is not determined by external factors, it is amidst struggles and difficulties living calm in the heart.”
David –
while he was chased by his son Absalom said – “I will sleep in peace” (Ps
3:5/4:8)
Peter –
knowing that he will be executed the next day, slept peacefully (Act 12:6)
Daniel –
Slept peacefully in Lion’s den and praise the Lord (Picture of Daniel sleeping amid
Lion often depicted) Dan 6:18-22. The king did not sleep throughout the night!!
Jesus
in the New Testament named “The God of
Peace” how suitable to the Old Testament prophecy that speaks about “The Prince of Peace.”
Phil
4:9 - The God of peace will be with you.
Col
3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
2 Thes 3:16 - Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you.
1 Thes 5:23 - May God himself, the God
of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your
whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Jesus is the prince of Peace… Because
1.
HIS (JESUS)
BIRTH BROUGHT PEACE TO THE EARTH: (LUKE 2:8-14)
The
angel declared ” I bring you good
news that will cause great joy for all the people” (v.10) which is v.14
- “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
At the
time of Jesus’ Birth, the whole Earth was divided by various factors –God’s
chosen people did not have a peaceful life in their promised (own) land – They waited
for a “Messiah” who would come and deliver them from their enemies politically
and spiritually. There are about 400 years (From Malachi to Matthew); there was
no revelation from God to his people, no prophets, or interventions from God. This
period is called the “Silent period or Dark age” in human history. People were
in confusion, deep anguish, and political disorder which were to be repaired. The
Jewish people were under the rule of Romans – after the captivity from Babylon
(Captivity Vs Oppression). The Romans were lords over them – The soldiers were
guarding the Jewish towns and oppressing people (Matt 5:41 – If someone forces you for a mile, go with
them two miles).
As I visit
Srilanka often, I saw the areas where Tamil people live were guarded by the
Sinhalese police and army which is an uncomfortable life for the native Tamils.
To establish political control over the Tamil people, the Sinhalese army is
kept to guard that area so that people would not politically rebel against
them.
In the
midst of all the confusion and disorder – the birth of Christ brought “peace”
to the earth. Jesus brought peace in the following areas,
a.
Internal Peace:
People who lived in darkness, doubts, fear, bondage, and struggles can experience
peace and light in their lives (Matt 4:16; Isaiah 9:2). Humanity was longing to
have internal peace for centuries – the void in the heart can only be filled
with God which brings great peace in their hearts. Luke 2:29 Simon said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.”
b.
Interpersonal Peace: Peace
with one another. The birth and teachings of Christ brought peace to one
another. When people follow the commands of Christ they keep away anger and
bitterness and live a peaceful life. The birth of Christ offered that freely.
c.
International Peace: The
solution for peace among the nations is only found in Christ (One for Israel
Ministries stresses “Christ” as the solution for problems in the Middle East. It
is those who accepted Christ as their savior from Jews and Arabs who live
peacefully – not striving or oppressing others)
d.
Spiritual Peace: Peace
with God (Romans 5:1). The broken relationship between God and humanity was
perfectly repaired by Christ. Under the Old Covenant – through sacrifice and Mossiac
law people could never experience God in their lives. Sin destroyed the peace
that God offered, it was the birth of Christ that restored hope to reconcile
with God through Christ Jesus.
Sometimes peace with God will bring conflict with people (Caution: Matthew 10:34-36). Jesus warned
about it, you may be rejected by your family members, community, and relatives
but nobody can take away the peace that Jesus offers to us. The birth of Christ brought peace
to the earth since He is the prince of peace.
2.
HIS (JESUS) MINISTRY BROUGHT PEACE
TO THE PEOPLE
We
read about the ministry of Christ in the gospels where Jesus was preaching the
gospel of the Kingdom and healed/delivered people from their bondage. People who
live in sickness, bondage, shortages, poverty, and sorrow cannot experience the
peace of God in their lives. Jesus rectified the troubles of people and restored
peace to their lives.
Luke 8:48 – We read about the healing of a
woman who was struggling with bleeding for 12 years. Jesus offered her healing
by the touch of his garments and said to her “Go with Peace – Your faith has healed you”
Mark 5:15 – A man possessed with demons (Legion)
got healed and sat in his right mind.
(A
believer of Pr. Abel was opposing the ministry – he gave a deadline to vacate
the village. His daughter was demon-possessed, the pastor prayed and delivered
her. As of now he is the elder in the church – God offered peace to him)
John 2:1-10 – Shortage/poverty brings distress
in life. Jesus fulfilled the need of the hour and established peace in the
wedding at Cana.
Even
today Jesus offers peace to the people who come to Him with addiction, bondage,
sickness, and shortages because He is the “Prince of Peace.”
3.
HIS (JESUS) WORDS BRING PEACE TO US
EVEN TODAY (JOHN 14:27)
We
have the word of God/Christ in our hands that gives peace to troubled hearts
even today. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” who speaks to us even today with His
living words. It comforts people and gives peace to their troubled hearts.
The
joy/happiness/peace on this earth is temporary. It happens through outer
circumstances which can never be the solution for inner peace. Things that you
buy will give you happiness for a short period, it creates anticipation, but once
you get it everything goes normal. The peace of God that Jesus offers stays
still even you go through hard circumstances. His words comfort and console us
in many different ways. Through reading, hearing, life experiences, and events,
God speaks into our hearts to remove fear. The peace of God enables us to face
death without fear.
Phil
4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but
in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.
The peace
of God makes us live in content in every situation: Phil 4:11-13: I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in
need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being
content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him
who gives me strength.
Col
3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace.
Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have those who love your
law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Let
the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ fill your hearts and minds. Do you have
fear, anxiety, and stress come to Him with your burdens, he will give you peace
and remove the heavy laden that you are carrying (Matthew 11:28). Read and
meditate on His words which will give you eternal peace because “HE IS THE
PRINCE OF PEACE.”
May
God bless you.
Have
a blessed Christmas!
Amazing post!
ReplyDelete