Jesus, Our Prince of Peace

We are all desperately longing for peace. You may be in a season of suffering but able to proclaim that you are experiencing a peace that surpasses understanding, or you may be crying out for peace amidst the turmoil. No matter where you find yourself today, you have access to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

The prophet Isaiah gives four titles for Jesus, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).

It is easy to recite these names and even to claim and frame them, but there is so much to stop and ponder with each one. When you eat a piece of cake, or perhaps a gingerbread cookie this time of year, you enjoy the overall sweetness without understanding the chemistry of the ingredients working together to produce your delight. Let’s use this concept as an analogy for the word of God. It is so sweet and rich, but we can not fully understand its intricate depths. Job declares, “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful (difficult) for me, which I did not know” (Job 42:3). God is more than we’ll ever be able to comprehend, but the Psalmist says to, “taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8, NASB).

Jesus, the Prince of Peace means that He is captain, general, commander, chief, head, overseer, and ruler of rulers. 

The meaning of Peace in this title is not the Greek word Shalom, which is calm and tranquil, but the Hebrew translation: spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God. It is friendship with God, especially in a covenant relationship. 

Jesus is the ruler of all rulers who makes a way for peace with God.

And we have a Gospel of peace – the good news! We were enemies of God (Romans 5:10), and because of His death, sacrifice, and blood shed on the cross, our relationship has been restored, giving us peace with God (Romans 5:8). 

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Paul begins almost every one of his letters with two words: grace and peace. In those verses, peace means rest. This Christmas, even in a season of suffering, an unwanted season of singleness, or raising children alone without an earthly dad, may God give you peace. 

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:27-28).

“These things I have spoken to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

“Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Peace, the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ, fears nothing from God and is content with whatever comes its way. 

Are you at peace with God today?

A prayer for one seeking peace with God:

Father,

Thank You that Jesus is our Prince of Peace. You give peace beyond comprehension and make available peace that will guard our hearts and minds. Thank You for giving us peace and a restored relationship with You. I pray that You would draw those to Yourself who may be wrestling and fighting within; they are not sure they want to come to You. I pray the Holy Spirit will embrace them, and they will surrender their life to You and experience peace that is beyond comprehension, and they will become a friend of God. Hold them close. In Jesus’ name, Amen.