Originally published in the December 10, 2009 issue of The Evangel.
by Lori and Nathan Adams
"For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and His name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." Isaiah 9:6-7
The prophet Isaiah is thought to have been born around 760 B.C. Of notable position in Judean society, he knew the ins and outs of government and understood both its strengths and its shortcomings. Isaiah's world was full of conflict, instability, disharmony, fighting and war; so is ours.
Imagine a leader who knows what is best, who can be fully trusted, who won't be influenced, and who is the supreme source for guidance and wisdom. In times of turmoil and instability, what comfort it must have brought Isaiah to pen these words.
And what comfort it brings us today to know that our Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace is in control! God's peace overcomes all. No hardship, fear, trial, threat, war, famine, loss, loneliness, or grief can overcome the peace which surpasses all understanding, only available from the Prince of Peace.
Eugene Peterson says it well in The Message: "He'll take over the running of the world . . . there'll be no limits to the wholeness He brings." Though the world is chaotic and unmanageable, we are assured that God's plan is being accomplished.
It's ironic that such a mighty leader would pierce our world in a humble and unsuspecting way, as a child. Amazingly, God not only promises His peace for our world at a global level; He offers to be our Father and personal Prince of Peace if we will accept His Son, Jesus, as our Savior. If you have not done so already, recognize Him as your Prince of Peace today.
