Read Isaiah 9:6
I love this passage in Isaiah. And as we enter this Christmas season it's a great reminder of God coming into our world in human form. We sing this verse during this season to proclaim the wonderful gift we've been given in Jesus Christ. His name - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Take a moment and just reflect on these amazing names of our Lord Jesus.
I love them all, but this last one - Prince of Peace - really stands out as something different than what so many of us experience in life. Peace is elusive. It's difficult to get a hold of because there can be so much conflict we face in our relationships. Yet Jesus is called the Prince of Peace for a reason.
If you read through the gospels and check out Jesus' ministry He often talked about peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." In John 14:27 Jesus said to his disciples - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And over in Colossians 3:15 the Apostle Paul tells the church - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
We are to represent Christ as His followers. Since He is the Prince of Peace we're called to be ambassadors of His peace in this world. How are we doing with this calling? Are our lives reflecting the peace of God?
Jesus says in John 14:27 that He’s given us His peace; it’s a gift that is ours. And no matter what happens we can experience the peace of God by letting it reign in our lives. When I hear this I can’t help but think we have a choice. We can allow our hearts to be troubled and afraid or we can take the advice Jesus offers and live in peace. But how does this work? How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Friends, it begins with knowing Jesus and the gift He is. When we realize this gift of peace, His peace given freely to us it changes our spirit. When our spirit gets up close and personal with God’s Spirit we begin to reflect the character of God Himself. This week take time to reflect on our great Prince of Peace. Take time and just spend time with God - get in His word and talk and listen to Him; and give thanks for the peace we have with God because of Jesus Christ and all that He’s done for us by His life, death and resurrection. Take time to understand the promise of God’s peace every moment of every day is possible when we remember our calling in Christ as members together of one body of believers, the Church of Jesus Christ.
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