Advent Week 2: PEACE

             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 9:6-7

Last Sunday our pastor put this list on a slide:

Ruler – Wonderful Counselor

Power – Mighty God

Temperament – Everlasting Father

Kingdom – Prince of Peace

I was most struck by the last line.

The term “prince” typically references a son or grandson of a monarch who runs a kingdom or territory. The title of prince is “granted by the reigning monarch, who is the fount of all honours, through the issuing of letters patent as an expression of the royal will.” 

God, our fount of many blessings, granted His Son, Jesus, the title of Prince. Jesus promoted peace and commanded us to live in peace.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

John 16:33 ~ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ~ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

John 14:27 ~ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 12:18 ~ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Colossians 3:15 ~ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Phillipians 4:6-7 ~ 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.

These verses describe Jesus and the eternal Kingdom over which He will reign. They also describe how the Kingdom of God is to be operating here on earth.

As we wait

As we wait for the celebration of Christmas morning and for Jesus to return again,  let’s invite peace to reign in our hearts and relationships by praying these verses into our lives this morning. (Truly, pray as you continue reading.)

Jesus,

• I take heart because you have overcome the world.
• give me peace in all things in every way.
• keep my mind stayed on You so I can be kept in perfect peace.
• make me a peacemaker.
• give me Your peace as I refuse what the world offers as a substitute.
• so far as it depends on me, may I live peaceably with all.
• may your peace rule in my heart.
• grant me the wisdom and discipline to cast my cares on You so that the peace that passes all understanding may guard my heart and mind.

A few things are clear

As we consider these verses and pray the prayers, a few things are clear.

• Jesus offers a peace that is different than the world. To have it, you must know Jesus.
• Those who know Jesus don’t automatically get His peace either. To have it, we must keep our minds stayed on Him and cast our cares on Jesus in prayer.

Jesus died so we could pray.

In my advent bible study this week, I was struck by the reality that the only reason we can pray is because Jesus died to give us 24/7 access to the Father. I wonder how Jesus feels when we are anxious and choose not to pray. When I am anxious and buckle down to work even harder instead of turning to Him, is the Prince of Peace up there shouting, “Laurie, please pray! I died for you to pray!”

I think Jesus has shouted that at me. I think I have denied access to my Prince of Peace many times.

Let’s not do that any longer.

Picture Explanation: May God teach us all to have hearts that look like these pictures no matter what is going on in our normal day-to-day life. When our circumstances become extreme, highly emotional, or traumatizing, may we trust our Prince of Peace — Jesus — to take us on a personalized journey that brings us back to resting in Him as we allow Him to be our Rock.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

(The person in the photo is my friend.)

Speaking of living for the Kingdom: If you are interested in being contacted to participate in a One Gritty Blink Bible study, click on the Oaks Ministries link below and send me an email so I can place you on a list to be contacted as online and face-to-face studies are planned. Let’s not just focus on things in this short life, but also what counts for eternity!

Note: No part of my posts are derived from A.I. Thoughts and writing stem from my mind and heart as I process life week-by-week and continue to grow in my understanding of God and how to apply His wisdom to the world around me.

© 2023 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.