August 16, 2004

THE PRINCE OF PEACE

"And His name will be called... Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV).

The title "Prince of Peace" is one of the most universally quoted of all Jesus titles. Coming last in Isaiah's exquisite cluster of messianic names, it stands out with special luster in a world destitute of real peace.

The age-long quest for peace continues to be an elusive goal--the unreachable object at the end of the rainbow. But Jesus offers genuine peace--inner and external peace, peace with God and peace with our fellowmen, peace of country, peace of conscience, peace in the home, the community, and the world. The peace that Jesus gives comes in a package. The principal commodity in that package is righteousness (see Isaiah 32:17, 18). That righteousness is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Peace-giver, and peace personified (see Ephesians 2:14).

The psalmist said it beautifully: "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalm 85:10, NKJV). To have Christ's righteousness is to have the Prince of Peace occupying the throne of our hearts. As the Prince of Peace, Christ became the purchaser and the procurer of peace between God and man and between man and man (see Ephesians 2:15).

The word, prince, implies royalty. As the true Messiah, Jesus, has promised to usher in the eternal reign of peace that will be inaugurated at His return in glory. Those who are at peace with Him now will be permanent citizens of His coming reign of peace. "Christ is the 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' (Romans 5:1)."--God's Amazing Grace, p. 320.

My Prayer Today: Lord, in this strife-ridden world, may the Prince of Peace reign in my heart. Amen.