I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27, NLT
Read: Isaiah 9 -6-7
After the last several years of a pandemic, natural disasters, threats of war, social and political unrest, the promise of a peaceful world sounds wonderful. Doesn’t it?
The prophecy of Isaiah 9 is so hopeful, so encouraging! It also came to the people of God at a time when they were scattered far and wide and very much in need of a message of hope. These beautiful words have inspired great musical compositions like of “Handel’s Messiah”, and they continue to encourage us even today.
Here is a quick recap of where we are since Adam and Eve were taken out of their Edenic home. After they sinned, God promised that he would send his own son to pay the price for sin–death. He also made a promise that his son would come through the descendants of Shem through Abraham, through Isaac, and Jacob. Unfortunately, disunity among the descendants of Jacob split the twelve tribes apart into two kingdoms–Israel and Judah. These kingdoms were then conquered by various groups until their identity and hope were almost lost.
In the last devotional, we saw that the remaining people of Judah were finally able to return home to begin to rebuild what had been destroyed in their city. It is believed that Isaiah was writing these words to people of Judah living in three time periods: before, during Babylonian exile, and after the Babylonian exile.
Can you imagine what difficult times these were? The people of Judah most likely felt powerless and afraid of being conquered by other nations more powerful than they were. They had been pushed and pulled in many different directions with little stability. How encouraging it must have been to be reminded of a peaceful world to come that would last forever.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given….,
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
Do you agree with me, that if there is one thing that is worthy of pursuit, it is this–peace? Regardless of race, religion or national identity, we desire peace. Isaiah tells the children of God that the coming Messiah will be the Prince of Peace. Moreover, after years of instability and unease, this coming Prince would set up a kingdom that would last forever and ever.
A peaceful world is coming that will last forever and ever. What a wonderful thought!
REFLECT: What does it mean to you that the messiah is described here as the Prince of Peace? In what ways can can we reflect the peace of Christ in our interactions with us?
Live deep; laugh much.
I help individuals create space and develop habits and strategies to live a flourishing life — one goal at a time.