Isaiah: Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
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.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
This passage from Isaiah is often considered a prophecy about God’s Messiah. As Christians we know that Jesus was that Messiah and so we can consider the ways that Jesus’ life and work fulfills this prophecy. Consider the titles applied to Jesus, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Jesus is Wonderful Counselor. He is wise and discerning, he offers guidance and support, and he walks with us throughout our lives. Jesus is Mighty God. His power is boundless and his reign extends over all things, he is able to accomplish God’s will in surprising and important ways. Jesus is Everlasting Father. He reveals God the Father to us and he is a constant companion, his presence never leaves us. Jesus is Prince of Peace. His reign is marked by a peace that passes all understanding, peace that ends wars, violence and oppression, and peace that reigns in our hearts and our outward lives.
As you consider these titles for Jesus, which one appeals most to you today? In what ways do you need Jesus to show up as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? Jesus comes to us in the quietness of our hearts and the unique, personal ways that we meet him. But, as the rest of the passage reminds us, Jesus also shows up in the midst of the big problems and struggles of the world - in darkness, oppression and systemic violence. Whether you are longing for a personal encounter with Christ or pleading for a change in the whole world order, Jesus comes today and that changes everything.
Prayer:
Talk to Jesus about what titles most appeal to you today. Ask him to come and be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace in your life and in the world today. Share all of the concerns of your heart and the spaces where you are longing for more peace.