Focus: The Prince Of Peace (Pt.1)

Text: Isa.9:6

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Christ is the Prince of peace. Isaiah says that "of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isa.9:7). The word 'prince' speaks of a ruler, leader, head or governor. His throne is for peace. He governs with peace, and for those who believe in Him, Christ is our Prince and our Peace. 

Paul tells us that Christ is our peace - our shâlôm (Eph.2:14). The word shâlôm is translated with several words in the King James version, words like safe, well, welfare, rest, prosperity, favor, salute, greet, fare, good health, and so on. It speaks of wholeness and wellness. 

The word shâlôm is not the absence of crisis, but the presence of God.

God is known as the God of peace, and His presence saturates one's life with peace. Paul describes Him as the God of peace. He says, "Now the GOD OF PEACE be with you all. Amen" (Rom.15:13). The presence of the God of peace in your life means that everything will hold together in your life. Your life will not be torn apart or be broken or be made to function in bits and pieces. Your life will not be disarray. It only seems so sometimes, but not truly so all the time. 

He says, "And the GOD OF PEACE shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen" (Rom.16:20). The God of peace is a bad news to Satan. The God of peace dislodges and disarms Satan in your life, and places him where he rightly belongs, and that is under your feet. He does it not as the God of war, but as the God of peace. 

The God of peace is your warrior; He seeks your welfare and wellbeing.

Paul continues, "Now the LORD OF PEACE himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all" (2Thes.3:16). As the Lord of peace, He gives us peace. He says to us, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (Jh.14:27). He gives us peace, and He is our peace. Peace is the feature of His government. He rules peacefully. 

Paul writes, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col.3:15). His peace rules in our hearts. He says, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil.4:7). The peace of God keeps surveillance or a watch on the ramparts of our hearts. It is our military guard. It garrisons our hearts, and ensures that the enemy of our peace is kept out. Paul says again, "And the VERY GOD OF PEACE sanctify you wholly…" (1Thes.5:23). Our God is the very God of peace. No other god in all the universe is known for peace.

Christ is the Prince of peace. He gives His peace to those who accept Him as their Prince. His peace is experienced within the context of a covenant. I pray for you to encounter the Prince and experience His peace. Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter