Point of Inspiration
Christ--Prince of Peace
Posted by Robert D. Pace in
Thursday, June 11th at 6:39 am (Permalink)
In Isaiah 9, the prophet saw the coming Messiah as the “Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.” The first three of those titles are incredibly strong. But at first glance, the title "Prince" seems inadequate to describe Christ. Why not call Him God of Peace or Savior or Peace? A prince is less than a King or even a Prime Minister. According to its definition, a prince is only given authority over a restricted, clearly defined territory. So why would Isaiah call Christ the Prince of Peace? Is he suggesting that Christ’s authority is limited and circumscribed? No! The answer to that lies in just how far-reaching our need for peace is. If there is anything the world with all its ill and evil seeks, it is peace. Each year people spend billions of dollars on pharmaceuticals in an effort to find relief from physical and emotional pain. Washington DC, the United Nations, and World Leaders constantly seek peace. Scientists seek to make peace with earth’s ecosystem. Even the constellations are troubled. Not one dimension of life or one sector of the universe exists without the need for peace. It’s needed spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and politically.
When we realize the boundless scope in which peace is needed, we understand that Isaiah has endowed Christ with no dim or depreciated title as the “Prince of Peace.” In fact, the very next verse Isaiah writes says, “of the increase of His government and of His [reign of] peace there shall be no end.” Think about that statement. Isaiah says that Christ’s kingdom will continually expand into the universe throughout eternity! Instead of being circumscribed, the realm which this mighty Prince governs will literally envelope the cosmos! As the universe expands, Christ's Princely rule of peace will stake its claim and eliminate chaos and pain. Isaiah was right; Christ is the Prince of Peace!