Post by foxjj on Jun 8, 2023 7:23:07 GMT
Messiah/Prince Of Peace
In his prophecy regarding Messiah, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Messiah would also be known as The Prince of Peace, among other titles:
“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.
When the angel announced the birth of Jesus as that Messiah to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem, he was accompanied by the heavenly host who proclaimed: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14. The peace to which the Bible speaks, is the personal peace that can only be experienced by those who truly know God, and thereby possess the assurance their sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ.
There were other concepts of who Messiah would be. To some he would be a priest, or the suffering servant of Yahweh:
“Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.”- Isaiah 53:4-7.
Consequently, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, on a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus The Messiah was crucified upon a rough wooden cross with a prayer upon His lips: “Father forgive.”- Luke 23:34. The pounding of a hammer secured the sign above His head: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."- John 19:19. Finally, a spear pierced His side. Impressed by what they had witnessed, some Roman soldiers exclaimed: "Surely he was the Son of God!"- Matthew 27:54.
We also have a record in the book of Acts of the sermon given by Peter at Pentecost when he spoke to the people of Jerusalem proclaiming Jesus was the promised Messiah, resurrected after His crucifixion: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”- Acts 2:36-41 (NIV)
As Messiah and Prince of Peace, Jesus brings a promise of peace to all who turn to Him in repentance. As forgiven people we become Children of God: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” - John 1:12-13. Down through history people have constantly desired peace, be it peace in our world, where they will engage in various political activities in an endeavour to bring world peace. Or inner peace, which can lead a person down many spiritual paths. For a time one may believe they have found their peace, but in the end it will fade. Only The Bible points the way to a permanent peace. Jesus promised this permanent peace when He said: “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.” (John 14:27)
For over two thousand years, The Lord Jesus has been faithful to His word. His followers have endured many trials, but through it all they have experienced the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give; God’s peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Have you experienced this peace of which the Bible speaks?
Today, let us thank our God for the Prince of Peace.
John Joseph Fox.
In his prophecy regarding Messiah, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Messiah would also be known as The Prince of Peace, among other titles:
“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.
When the angel announced the birth of Jesus as that Messiah to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem, he was accompanied by the heavenly host who proclaimed: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14. The peace to which the Bible speaks, is the personal peace that can only be experienced by those who truly know God, and thereby possess the assurance their sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ.
There were other concepts of who Messiah would be. To some he would be a priest, or the suffering servant of Yahweh:
“Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.”- Isaiah 53:4-7.
Consequently, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, on a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus The Messiah was crucified upon a rough wooden cross with a prayer upon His lips: “Father forgive.”- Luke 23:34. The pounding of a hammer secured the sign above His head: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."- John 19:19. Finally, a spear pierced His side. Impressed by what they had witnessed, some Roman soldiers exclaimed: "Surely he was the Son of God!"- Matthew 27:54.
We also have a record in the book of Acts of the sermon given by Peter at Pentecost when he spoke to the people of Jerusalem proclaiming Jesus was the promised Messiah, resurrected after His crucifixion: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”- Acts 2:36-41 (NIV)
As Messiah and Prince of Peace, Jesus brings a promise of peace to all who turn to Him in repentance. As forgiven people we become Children of God: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” - John 1:12-13. Down through history people have constantly desired peace, be it peace in our world, where they will engage in various political activities in an endeavour to bring world peace. Or inner peace, which can lead a person down many spiritual paths. For a time one may believe they have found their peace, but in the end it will fade. Only The Bible points the way to a permanent peace. Jesus promised this permanent peace when He said: “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.” (John 14:27)
For over two thousand years, The Lord Jesus has been faithful to His word. His followers have endured many trials, but through it all they have experienced the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give; God’s peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Have you experienced this peace of which the Bible speaks?
Today, let us thank our God for the Prince of Peace.
John Joseph Fox.
