Saturday
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.
(Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)
When you read this well-known prophesy from Isaiah, uttered hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, are you better able to fully appreciate the glorious hope of this promise of a “Prince of Peace”? When the Jews heard of a “Prince of Shalom,” whose reign would bring peace that would grow and never end, they had reason to be excited!
This Counselor, this Father, this Prince, would reign on King David’s throne and rule over the earth with justice and righteousness. When he came, according to Isaiah, there would be:
- Harmonious relationships between individuals
- A general prosperity in society
- Safety and security for all people
- Health for all men and women
- Full lives and restful deaths
- And, victory for God’s cause in the world.
All these dimensions of shalom would be fulfilled when the Prince of Peace arrived. And as a seal that this promise would be fulfilled – have no fear – the prophet Isaiah adds this certification: “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Are we willing to put our confidence in that promise of God? Then let us make it a prayer that this promised shalom will be a part of our daily lives.
Prayer
Lord, we worship your son, the Prince of Peace. Help us to have confidence in you and your promise that we will experience shalom in our lives if we trust you. We look forward to the day when, after Christ’s return, we can experience shalom in all its fullness. Amen.