Christ in the Old Testament

Isaiah 9:6

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. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7

Today we finish looking at the list of names that Isaiah assigns to the future Messiah. These aren’t literal names for Jesus. They are more like titles or aspects of his character. They give insight into who Jesus is and what he is going to do.

“And he will be called … Prince of Peace.”

As it is in the upside down world of Jesus, the title of Prince of Peace isn’t what is expected. Jesus didn’t come to earth to bring an end to violence and war. He didn’t come to settle all disagreements so we would experience physical peace. Yes eventually Jesus will deliver this kind peace for all eternity when he comes back to earth a second time and puts an end to all sin and death. But Jesus came to earth the first time to bring spiritual peace. Jesus said to his disciples after his resurrection, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

The Hebrew word for “peace” is šālôm which is translated as the kind of safety which can bring feelings of satisfaction, well-being, and contentment. In the spiritual sense, Jesus brings the type of peace that comes about when we are right with God. When we know that God’s favor shines on us, we have true peace. This can only come by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and then our response to accept his sacrifice on our behalf. Paul writes, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1).

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He guides us through life and is our life-coach who helps us know God’s will for us and prompts us to be obedient to His will. And when we “keep in step with the Spirit,” we produce the fruit of the Spirit – one of which is peace (Gal 5:22-25). We produce peace and our souls are at peace.

When we produce peace, we see unity in our relationships. Paul calls us to live at peace with each other:

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:1-3).

This isn’t the easiest thing to do but it’s our calling as Christ-followers. We are still surrounded by trials and tribulations. The world is difficult and life is often hard on us. But that is no excuse. If we take our troubles to God, he will give us a peace that passes understanding. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

No matter what hardships come our way and no matter what challenges life throws at us, we can ask God for a peace that can only come from Him. We don’t have to be strong to have peace and our peace isn’t dictated by circumstances. Our peace depends on our right relationship with Jesus that we can strengthen by spending daily time reading God’s word and in prayer to Him.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, I pray for peace in the midst of all the challenges that life is throwing my way. Help me to put my cares on you and trust that in all things you will see me through.