The Prince of Peace: Embracing Advent's Promise
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· 5 viewsBig Idea: Embracing Christ as the Prince of Peace transforms our lives and equips us to share His peace with a world in need. Summary: Isaiah 9:6-7 proclaims the coming of a child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, establishing a kingdom of justice and righteousness that will endure forever.
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SLIDE: Scripture Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 9:6–7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
SLIDE: Scripture
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
SLIDE: Title
Introduction
Introduction
Isaiah 9:6-7 proclaims the coming of a child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, establishing a kingdom of justice and righteousness that will endure forever.
In my journey of faith, I often wrestled with the idea of peace. One night, I found myself in a park, watching families enjoy the freedom and peace around them. It struck me: this is how Christ envisions His kingdom. It’s not devoid of conflict, but it beckons us to seek reconciliation instead of division. Our role as followers of Christ is to cultivate that peace and be active participants in His justice, ensuring that we represent a slice of His Kingdom here on Earth.
Isaiah 9 invites us to find peace in the tumultuous times of our lives by recognizing that Jesus is the source of our peace. As we await His return during Advent, we can cultivate a lifestyle of peace that reflects His character to those around us.
True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated wholeness found in a relationship with Christ. It emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus as the Prince of Peace in our lives today.
SLIDE: Shalom
A - 'Peace' (שָׁלוֹם, shalom)
A - 'Peace' (שָׁלוֹם, shalom)
The Hebrew word for peace, shalom (שׁלום) is derived from a root denoting wholeness or completeness.
In the Bible, the word shalom is most commonly used to refer to a state of affairs, one of well-being, tranquility, prosperity, and security, circumstances unblemished by any sort of defect. Shalom is a blessing, a manifestation of divine grace.
A few years ago, I was at a neighbor's house when their baby started crying uncontrollably. In the midst of the chaos, I noticed the parents left their busy schedules behind, sat on the floor, and enveloped the child in their arms. Slowly, the baby's cries turned to coos. It struck me that sometimes, amidst our turmoil, we simply need to feel the embrace of divine grace like that child, finding our peace in the arms of Shalom.
SLIDE: Messiah
B - ‘Messiah’ (מָשִׁ֫יחַ, mashiach)
B - ‘Messiah’ (מָשִׁ֫יחַ, mashiach)
Isaiah's prophecies contain many references to the coming Messiah. One of the most significant revelations is found in Isaiah 9, where the prophet gave a prophecy about the Messiah, the glorious coming king. The term "Messiah" means "anointed one," that is, the anointed king. Isaiah's prophecies also hint that the Messiah will be a figure who is in some sense both human and divine.
Christ fulfills the prophetic roles attributed to Him in Isaiah, revealing God’s plan for redemption and peace through His incarnation, death, and resurrection. His reign establishes a peace that surpasses all understanding, echoing the hope laid out in the Old Testament.
A young woman I knew was perpetually anxious about her future. After sharing her struggles in a small group, someone mentioned how they prayed for peace daily. Inspired, she decided to trust Christ and commit her worries to Him. Over time, she described feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and her outlook on life shifted. Embracing Jesus brought her a calm assurance that she had never experienced before.
Embracing Christ as the Prince of Peace transforms our lives and equips us to share His peace with a world in need.
SLIDE: Title
Main Ideas
Main Ideas
1. Promises in a Child
1. Promises in a Child
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Throughout the Bible we see majestic titles ascribed to the coming Christ, each revealing an aspect of His nature:
Here in Isaiah 9 we see these names:
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Prince of Peace.
Elsewhere He is called:
Jesus is Lord and King
Revelation 19:16 (NLT)
16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Jesus is Head Over all Things
Colossians 2:10 (NLT)
10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Jesus is the Foundation
Isaiah 28:16 (NLT)
16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.
Jesus is Prince and Savior
Acts 5:31 (NLT)
31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.
This child, while humble in birth, carries the divinity and authority of God. Each title we just heard demonstrates the completeness and transformative ability of Christ in fulfilling God's promises. This sets the foundation for finding peace in His identity and our relationship with Him.
Lisa had always found her identity in achievements and accolades. However, when she experienced a setback, her confidence plummeted. In her darkest hour, she decided to spend time in silence and prayer, seeking God's presence. During this quiet time, she felt a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love and acceptance. 'You are more than your achievements; you are mine,' God seemed to tell her. In that sanctified moment, she exchanged her striving for peace, embracing her identity as a beloved child of God instead.
2. Peace in His Kingdom
2. Peace in His Kingdom
Isaiah 9:7 (NLT)
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
When we focus on the enduring nature of Christ's kingdom, it underscores the assurance of justice and righteousness that His rule entails. This kingdom is not temporary but eternal, providing a permanent source of peace for believers.
During a particularly stormy night, I remember hugging my little girl as we watched the rain lash against our windows. Despite the chaos outside, she felt secure in my arms, her trust in me bringing her peace. In the same way, knowing that Christ’s kingdom has no end provides us with the ultimate security and peace, allowing us to weather the storms of life with assured hope.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Consider Queen Esther, who risked her life to save her people from destruction. In a time of great peril and injustice, she showed incredible courage and conviction. Her faith in God, coupled with her actions, brought about not just her people’s salvation but a powerful reminder of the weight justice carries in God’s kingdom. Esther’s story remains a poignant reminder of how standing up for righteousness can turn the tide of history, echoing God’s call for justice in a morally complex world.
Embracing Christ as the Prince of Peace transforms our lives and equips us to share His peace with a world in need.
Today, I encourage you to live in a way that reflects God's justice and righteousness, empowered by the peace that comes from knowing that Christ's kingdom will have no end.
