Sunday - Prince Of Peace
WEEK TWO - PEACE
Written by Amy Owen
Prince Of Peace
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Isaiah 9:6–7
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. 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!
Last Advent Season, I read a devotional that explored a concept I could not stop thinking about. It described how Jesus, a limitless God, placed limitations on Himself—all for love. Caroline Cobb illustrates this beautifully:
“Jesus, the eternal Word, knowing no end or beginning… embracing the constraints of creation: time, space, and even death itself. Jesus, the infinite, omnipresent, limitless Son of God… kicking in the cramped womb of an average, small-town teenage girl. Jesus, the incomprehensible, unseen, transcendent…born in human form that we might know what God is like.”(Advent for Exiles)
As I read Isaiah’s verses describing who God is, I am reminded of this picture of Jesus. He was born a child and would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace! God has shown His care for us in His willingness to limit Himself in a way that is incomprehensibly kind and generous. He came to share in our struggles so that He could bring us to Himself, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding.
This prophecy gave hope to the Jewish people who were desperate for a Savior after seasons of exile and oppression. As they meditated on this promise, I imagine their thoughts turned to longings for circumstances to improve. Yet God’s ways are far above our ways. They pictured a Savior who would rescue them from their circumstances, and God was delivering a Savior who rescues from the prison of sin and despair.
While God cares deeply about the everyday concerns of our hearts, He cares even more deeply about the eternal condition of our hearts. When our hope is in Christ and His salvation, peace can reign regardless of circumstance. This peace may not always be felt immediately—our minds and bodies can take time to submit to truth—but the reality of belonging to Jesus and being invited into His Kingdom forever is a truth that brings peace in our spirit. In discouraging times, we can remember that we have a Prince of Peace who limited Himself to come to Earth and rescue us. Hallelujah!
PRAYER:
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, You are the Mighty God and Wonderful Counselor, and I worship You! Thank You for caring about the cares of my heart and for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to bring me eternal peace, regardless of my circumstances. Amen
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Berl Medical / Dental Mission
Seth will be leading the 30th medical/dental mission from February 28th through March 7th, where a team of 25 will be serving the Linca people of Southwest Honduras through medical and dental clinics. This brings much needed medical care to those who may not otherwise be able to get the treatment they need.
For more info on joining the team or helping to pack medicines contact
Seth Berl at: sberl2425@gmail.com