TO CHEW ON: "For unto us a Child is born
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon HIs shoulder
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end." Isaiah 9:6-7a
Peace is one of those states we don't fully appreciate until it's gone, i.e. we notice it more by its absence than its presence.
The word has a rich dictionary definition:
1] A state of mental of physical quiet or tranquility.
2] The absence or cessation of war.
3] Public order and tranquility — freedom from riot or violence.
4] A state of reconciliation after strife or enmity.
5] Freedom from mental agitation or anxiety.
How does Jesus fulfill His role as Prince of Peace? I love how a sidebar article in my Bible explains it (note how many definitions of the word "peace" Jesus fulfills as Prince of Peace):
"Peace comes from God (Romans 1:7) and is an evidence of the rule of the Messiah—whose character as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) waits to instill the settledness of His own rule in our souls.
Just as the saving power of His death and resurrection makes it possible for us to have peace with God (being reconciled to Him, Romans 5:1), the indwelling of His life and character through the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is intended to help us learn to abide in the peace of God.
Jesus said to His disciples, 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you' John 14:27). Surrender to His will and submission to His Word will bring inner rest, as we allow the peace of God to 'rule' in our hearts (Colossians 3:15) that is to let God's peace act as umpire 1] over decisions that would trouble you, 2] overruling doubts that would disturb you, and 3] overthrowing the Adversary's lies that would defeat or deter you. Perfect peace is available when the heart and mind keep focused on God's promise, power and presence. Trust Him (Isaiah 26:3)." - "Christlikeness," by Fuchsia Pickett, New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 885 (emphasis added).
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Please be the Prince of Peace in my life and circumstances today. Help me to be sensitive to un-peace in my heart as a warning (umpire) that all is not well. Amen.
MORE: Handel's Messiah alert!
Words from our reading today (Isaiah 9:6) are lyrics in Handel's Messiah, Here is Tafelmusik's rendition of it.'
Handel's Messiah Chorus: "For Unto Us a Child is Born"
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