Isaías 9

Isaías 9

Calvin applies these various names of the Messiah… Whenever, in short, it appears to us that everything is in a ruinous condition, let us recall to our remembrance that Christ is called Wonderful, because he has inconceivable methods of assisting us, and because his power is far beyond what we are able to conceive. When we need counsel, let us remember that he is the Counselor. When we need strength, let us remember that he is Mighty and Strong. When new terrors spring up suddenly every instant, and when many deaths threaten us from various quarters, let us rely on that eternity of which he is with good reason called the Father, and by the same comfort let us learn to soothe all temporal distresses. When we are inwardly tossed by various tempests, and when Satan attempts to disturb our consciences, let us remember that Christ is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for Him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. This will these titles confirm us more and more in the faith of Christ, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself. Another source on Calvin The titles Isaiah uses for Christ are not foreign to its subject but are adapted to the case in hand, for the prophet describes what Christ will become to believers. Rather than speaking of Christ’s mysterious essence, Isaiah applauds his excellent attributes, which we perceive and experience by faith. This ought to be most carefully considered, because so many people are satisfied with the mere name of Christ and do not see his power and energy, which ought to be chiefly regarded. By the title Wonderful, Isaiah rouses the minds of the godly to earnest attention that they may expect from Christ something more excellent than what is seen in the ordinary course of God’s works. It is as if the prophet says that in Christ are hidden the invaluable treasures of wonderful things (Col. 2:3). Indeed, the redemption that Christ brings surpasses even the creation of the world. The grace of God that will be exhibited in Christ exceeds all miracles. Next, Isaiah uses the term Counsellor to show that the Redeemer will come endowed with absolute wisdom. The prophet does not reason here about the hidden essence of Christ but about the power that Christ displays toward us. It is not because Christ Jesus knows all his Father’s secrets that the prophet calls him Counselor, but rather that he proceeds from the bosom of the Father (John 1:18) and is therefore in every respect the highest and most perfect teacher. Likewise, we are not permitted to get wisdom from any source but from the gospel. Regarding Christ as Counselor contributes to the praise of the gospel, for our Counselor contains the perfect wisdom of God, as Paul frequently shows (1 Cor. 1:24, 30; Eph. 1:17; Col. 1:9). (365 Days With Calvin) Adrian Rogers - The Prince of Peace - The Lord Jesus is called here “The Prince of Peace”—“The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) He is the secret of peace—of personal peace, domestic peace, international peace. And, world peace waits upon His coming, but friend, you don’t have to wait ’til Jesus to come for you to have peace. For the Bible says that “therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) When Jesus was on the cross, He made a will. Jesus gave His Spirit to God the Father. Jesus gave His body to Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus gave His mother to John the apostle, but Jesus gave His peace to you. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus, my friend, this Christmas, is the Prince of Peace. God the Son is called the Prince of Peace. He came into the world with a song of peace: “On earth peace....” He went out of the world with a legacy of peace: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” Christ’s earnest prayer was for peace; He prayed that His people might be one. Christ not only prayed for peace, but bled for peace: “Having made peace through the blood of His cross.” He died not only to make peace between God and man, but between man and man. Christ suffered on the cross, that He might cement Christians together with His blood; as He prayed for peace, so He paid for peace. —Thomas Watson, seventeenth-century Puritan Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. —Charles Wesley THE PRINCE OF PEACE I grew up in an era marked by the peace symbol, a time when the Vietnam War polarized the nation. I was in college when the draft was enacted, and I still remember the day when I was told that one of my college friends was killed in that conflict. Peace seems even more elusive today than it was when I graduated from college. War came to our shores on September 11, 2001, and our new enemy—the terrorists— are elusive and more difficult to defeat. Will our children and our children's children ever know peace? We return once again to the promise of Isaiah 9:6. All the names mentioned in this verse find their climax in this great affirmation—“Prince of Peace.” Again, these words were written to a people living in deep despair and darkness. Yet one was prohesied who would shatter the burden-some yoke of their oppressors. No promise of peace could be more vivid than verse 5: “For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire.” But his peace is not simply a cessation of strife. It is much more! It is a life of personal well-being and hope—of salvation, blessing, happiness, and fullness. Just listen to the implications as spelled out in verse 7: “The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.” Ultimately, his peace will envelop all the earth and its peoples. “I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The bow of war will be removed, and He will proclaim peace to the nations” (Zech. 9:10). Those who know the Prince of Peace will one day join him in extending his reign to the nations. We know the message that will bring peace, and we must declare it to the nations. (Kenneth Hemphill - God Is) In his book Christmas 1945, Matthew Litt tells about the first peacetime Christmas celebration in the US after World War II. The New York Daily News alerted readers to expect a fleet of warships in New York Harbor: “Christmas Day will find a mighty armada, consisting of 4 battleships, 6 carriers, 7 cruisers, and 24 destroyers.” But instead of waging war, the military ships hosted 1,000 needy children. The children’s measurements had been taken previously so that perfectly fitted navy-blue coats and woolen caps would be gift-wrapped and awaiting them aboard the ships. These vessels of war had been transformed into carriers of compassion. The prophet Isaiah predicted a future day of Christ’s reign of peace on this earth. True peace comes from the Prince of Peace. The Peace Initiative It was the night before Christmas in 1870. French and German armies faced each other on the field of battle in the Franco-Prussian War. A French soldier started walking toward the German lines. His comrades watched breathlessly, expecting to hear at any instant the crack of a rifle that would end his life. As he neared the enemy lines, he stopped and began singing, "Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!" No shot rang out. Slowly the Frenchman returned to his ranks. There was silence! Then from the German side came a lone soldier to that same spot and sang the German version of the same song. After each stanza both armies united in the chorus. For a few minutes Christ brought peace to that battlefield. God is a peacemaker who always takes the first step. Jesus came as a baby, and when He grew to manhood He preached peace to a warring world. Then, in the greatest peace initiative this world has ever seen, Christ made peace between God and man by dying for our sins (Col. 1:20). O Prince of Peace, keep us, we pray, From strife and enmity; Help us to speak with loving words That quell hostility. --JDB What this world needs is the peace that passes all misunderstanding. The Eleventh Hour By Dennis Fisher Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. —Isaiah 2:4 World War I has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the war’s terrible cost—the loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that “the Great War,” as it was called, would truly be “the war that would end all wars.” Despite the many deadly military conflicts that have followed, the hope for lasting peace has not faded. And the Bible offers a hopeful and realistic promise that someday wars will finally end. When Christ returns, Isaiah’s prophecy will come true: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isa. 2:4). Then the eleventh hour will pass and the first hour of lasting peace in a new heaven and new earth will begin. Only in Christ can true peace be realized. Lasting Peace Read: Ephesians 2:13-19 He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. —Ephesians 2:14 On Christmas Eve 1914, during the First World War, the guns fell silent along a 30-mile stretch of the Western Front. Soldiers peered cautiously over the tops of trenches while a few emerged to repair their positions and bury the dead. As darkness fell, some German troops set out lanterns and sang Christmas carols. Men on the British side applauded and shouted greetings. The next day, German, French, and British troops met in no man’s land to shake hands, share food, and exchange gifts. It was a brief respite from war that soon ended when the artillery and machine guns roared to life again. But no one who experienced “The Christmas Truce,” as it became known, would ever forget how it felt and how it fueled their longing for lasting peace. In Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah we read, “His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). By His death on the cross, Jesus removed the “no man’s land” between us and God. “For He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” —Wesley Only in Christ can true peace be realized. Peace floods the soul when Christ rules the heart. Hope For The World PEACE TALKS FALL APART AGAIN. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES. TORNADO RIPS THROUGH TOWN. These newspaper headlines selected at random tend to lead us to despair. There just doesn’t seem to be any hope for this world. And yet, according to the Scriptures, the dream of abolishing war is not merely wishful thinking. The idea of prosperity for all is more than a political gimmick. The Bible tells us that the eventual taming of nature is a certainty. The hope for this world, however, is not to be found in human efforts but in the return of Jesus Christ. He alone can solve the problems that are baffling mankind. Keep looking up! The only hope for world peace is the coming of the Prince of Peace. Peace You, who once were alienated . . . now He has reconciled. -COLOSSIANS 1:21 In the days of Adam and Eve, peace was lost. As soon as they ate the forbidden fruit and realized their nakedness, they started blaming each other and introduced conflict to God's peaceful planet (Genesis 3:12-13). Sadly, all of their descendants, including us, have followed their bad example. We blame others for our own bad choices and become angry when no one will accept the guilt. Blaming others for our unhappiness breaks apart families, churches, communities, and nations. We can't make peace because we're preoccupied with placing the blame. Christmas is the season of peace. The Old Testament tells the story of how God set the stage to introduce the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus came to break the cycle of sin and blame by making peace for us with God "through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20). Instead of blaming us for all the trouble we cause, He bore the blame for all of us. He is now recruiting followers who, having received His forgiveness, want others to receive it as well. At Christmastime we celebrate The coming of the Prince of Peace; Though now our world is locked in strife, One day He'll make all conflict cease. —Sper Jesus took our place to give us His peace. 2 Peter 1:2 THE PROMISE OF PEACE – At Christmastime we love to hear the angelic message of peace on earth. But the message that’s repeated in songs and sermons needs to be heard and heeded every day of the year. We continually hear reports of tragedies around the globe. And we may be troubled by personal problems and crises. We long for and pray for peace. The Bible provides an answer to that plea for peace. To start with, the apostle Paul assured us in Romans 5:1 that it is possible to have peace with God. Yes, we disobedient and sinful creatures can enter into a state of reconciliation with God through faith in His Son Jesus (v.11). We can enjoy emotional peace as we cast our cares on the Savior (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7). There is also the possibility of interpersonal peace. In Romans 12:18, Paul urged believers, “As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Peace with others can become a reality. Best of all, we can anticipate global peace when our Savior, the Prince of Peace, returns. Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within; Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus, we know, and He is on the throne. —Bickersteth Only the Prince of Peace can bring lasting peace. The Name above all Names —Isaiah 9:6 The Guinness Book of Records lists some interesting facts about names. The oldest recorded personal name outside of the Bible is Sekhen—a predynastic king in Upper Egypt about 3,050 B.C. The longest name to appear on a birth certificate is Rhoshandiatellyneshiaunneveshenk Koyaanisquatsiuth Williams who was born September 12, 1984, to Mr. and Mrs. James Williams of Beaumont, Texas. Three weeks later Mr. Williams filed an amendment that expanded his daughter's first name to 1,019 letters and he added thirty-six letters to her middle name. A. Lindup-Badarou of Truro, England as of March 1995 had a total of 3,530 first names registered as his full name. And Zachary Zzzzzzzzzra wanted to ensure he was the last name in the San Francisco telephone book. Jesus Christ was given a name that exceeds all other names. He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. There is no other name in heaven or on earth that is more wonderful, more beautiful, or mightier than that of Jesus Christ. Today thank Him for His name. "The name Jesus is the combination of all the Old Testament titles used to designate the Coming one according to his nature and his work."—Keil and Delitzsch (Peter Kennedy) Prince of Peace Lived in a War Zone The water in the Jordan River flows so slowly as to appear motionless, unless you watch carefully in the reeds and the bullrushes along the shore. It was in a tranquil curve of the Jordan that the Bible says Jesus was baptized by John. The sites of His birth, His baptism and His burial are still being fought over today. Guarded even at this moment by coils of barbed wire and signs warning of mines and soldiers with machine guns. The Prince of Peace spent His life in a land of war and it still is. Isaiah 57:21 says, "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry Longfellow (1864) (Vocal version by Casting Crowns) I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play; In music sweet the tones repeat, “There’s peace on earth, good will to men.” I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’ unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.” Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near Brings peace on earth, good will to men.” When men repent and turn from sin The Prince of Peace then enters in, And grace imparts within their hearts His peace on earth, good will to men. O souls amid earth’s busy strife, The Word of God is light and life; Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice, Hail peace on earth, good will to men. Then happy, singing on your way, Your world will change from night to day; Your heart will feel the message real, Of peace on earth, good will to men. Herbert Lockyer - The Prince of Peace - All foregleams of the coming Messiah in Old Testament Scriptures are taken up with the idea that peace, not war, is characteristic of His ideal kingdom. This is why "peace" dominates so many messianic prophecies. Such a hope was embodied in the name David gave to his son Absalom, which means "Father of Peace." The name "Solomon" likewise implies "peaceful." Old John Trapp uses the phrase Pacts Omnimodoe, suggesting all kinds of peace—outward, inward, of country or of conscience, temporal or eternal; and Jesus, as prince of all the aspects of peace, has full power to bestow them upon mankind. Forecasts: "His name shall be called... The Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). "The mountains shall bring peace to the people" (Ps. 72:3). "This man shall be the peace" (Mic. 5:5). "He shall speak peace unto the heathen" (Zech. 9:10). Fulfillment: "Born... a Saviour... on earth Peace" (Luke 2:11-14). "In me ye might have peace" (John 16:33). "Jesus... saith unto them, Peace be unto you" (John 20:19, 21, 26). "He is our peace"... He "preached peace" (Ephes. 2:14, 17). Christ became our peace, that He might reconcile sinners unto God, and in His teaching He re-echoes the voice of prophecy. "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me" (Isa. 27:5). Sometimes sinners are urged to "make their peace with God," but such is as impossible as it is unnecessary. Peace has been made by the blood of the Cross. The Saviour is our peace, and in accepting Him we possess the peace He procured and is! It is only as the hymn puts it, "the blood of Jesus whispers peace within." This is the peace the world cannot give nor take away. Peace with God—Peace from God—Peace in God. (All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible) Ray Pritchard - Devotional on Prince of Peace The phrase literally means “the prince whose coming brings peace.” It is the climax of all that has gone before. The word “prince” means something like “General of the Army.” It speaks of his high position. The word “peace” speaks of his basic nature. All over globe there are ethnic conflicts and tribal wars. As I write these words there is turmoil in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Israel, Turkey and Iran. There are even whispers of trouble in China. We’re almost immune to violence because we live in a violent world. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that God’s plan for world peace focuses on a baby asleep in a manger in Bethlehem. He is the ultimate Prince of Peace. *In the past, his coming made peace with God *In the present, those who trust in him find peace in their hearts when Christ comes in. *In the future, his second coming will usher in a kingdom of peace. We live in a world marked by strife and bloodshed. He is not a failure. We are. God’s ultimate plan for peace rests not in treaties or education or material prosperity. God’s plan for peace is the Maker of Peace, Jesus Christ. To know him is to know blessing and happiness. To live without him means a life that is restless and miserable. He came to bring peace. He did. He does. He will. Lord Jesus, you came to bring peace to a world torn by sin and suffering. Make me an instrument of your peace today. Amen. Prince of Peace. 1 LET saints on earth their anthems raise, Who taste the Saviour’s grace; With those above, proclaim His praise, And crown Him Prince of Peace. 2 Praise Him who laid His glory by For man’s apostate race, Praise Him who stoop’d to bleed and die, And crown Him Prince of Peace. 3 We soon shall reach the heavenly shore, To view His lovely face, His name for ever to adore, And crown Him Prince of Peace. Jonathan Evans, 1784. The Prince of Peace Stephen Olford Introduction - Of the four titles given to our Lord Jesus Christ in Isaiah’s prophecy this one is the greatest, for it speaks to the deepest needs of the human heart. Peace was the supreme longing of the true Israelite and was the promised fulfillment of the Messiah’s reign; so they sang and sighed for the coming Prince of Peace. What was true of that prophetic age is equally relevant to our war-ridden generation. Could anything be more welcome in this hour of unrest, conflict, and bloodied than the coming of the Prince of Peace? The fact of the matter is that there will be no peace personally or generally until Christ is welcomed and enthroned. Let us then examine this glorious title and learn what the Holy Spirit has to say to us from this combination of words. Observe that the title “Prince of Peace” represents: I. The Author of Peace “… And His name will be called … Prince of Peace” (9:6). There are no less than fifteen different Hebrew words that are translated “prince” in our Authorized Version. Basically, however, the idea behind the word is that of “ruler,” “leader,” and ‘captain”—though its Greek translation adds the further thought of “author” and “pioneer.” It is quite obvious, from the unfolding of divine revelation, that the Lord Jesus came into the world in order that He might make peace, give peace, and preach peace. 1) Jesus Brought Peace at His Birth. The angelic announcement was “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14). Never was there a time in history when the hour was more propitious for the coming of Christ into the world. The apostle Paul writes, “… when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son …” (Gal. 4:4). World conditions were ripe for God’s supreme act in His redemptive purpose. Search the pages of history and in all the story of the centuries you will not find any generation in which the Savior could better have come than the one in which He did come. Illustrate - During the long war years a boy looked frequently at a picture of his daddy on the table. He had left when the boy was a young infant. After several years the boy had forgotten him as a person but he would often look at the picture and say, “If only my father could step out of that picture and be real …” Christmas means that in a sad day of sin, when man had almost forgotten God, He stepped into the world in the form of His Son, and angels announced, “Peace on earth” (Luke 2:10). (Pulpit Helps, published by AMG International, Chattanooga, TN 37422 December 1984, p. 7) 2) Jesus Taught Power in His Life. He could look into the faces of men and women and say, “These things I hay spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33); and again: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). That which attracted men and women to Him was not only His word of peace, but also His way of peace. In His life they could discern a composure, a calm and tranquility which was utterly removed from the worried and harassed looks of the religious teachers of that day. They saw Him silence storms, exorcise demons, heal diseases, and speak peace to those who were beaten by sin. Again and again His message to those who came to Him was “Go in peace” (Mark 5:34; Luke 8:48). Illustrate - A reporter asked the late President Herbert Hoover, “Mr. President, how do you handle criticism? Do you ever get agitated or tense?” ‘No,” President Hoover said, seemingly surprised at the question, “of course not.” “But,” the reporter went on, “when I was a boy you were one of the most popular men in the world. Then for a while you became one of the most unpopular, with nearly everyone against you. Didn’t any of this meanness and criticism ever get under your skin?” “No, I knew when I went into politics what I might expect, so when it came I wasn’t disappointed or upset,” he said. He lowered his familiar bushy eyebrows and looked directly into the reporter’s eyes. “Besides, I have ‘peace at the center,’ you know,” he added. Inner peace comes from looking to God, our source. Peace is the gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus, before leaving His disciples, said, ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Sermons Illustrated (Holland, Ohio: 12/85.25). 3) Jesus Bought Peace by His Death “… having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20); that is to say, He paid the price for man’s reconciliation to God. With the human race alienated from a holy God, Jesus Christ established an honorable peace by His birth, life, and death. He slew the enmity which prevented peace, and by His mighty redemptive work He made a peace available which the world cannot give or take away. Have we entered into this experience of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ? II. The Arbitrator of Peace “… And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called … Prince of Peace” (9:6). In his Epistle to the Colossians, the apostle has a very remarkable interpretation of this aspect of truth concerning the Prince of Peace. Exhorting the believers to forebear and forgive one another, Paul climaxes his instruction with the words, “And let the peace of God [more literally, the peace of Christ] rule in your hearts …” (Col. 3:15). Professor F. F. Bruce points out that the word “rule” here is better translated “arbitrate.” The fact of the matter is that wherever the government of Jesus Christ is welcomed and honored peace arbitrates and rules, for “… He Himself is our peace …” (Eph. 2:14). This is true of: 1) The Personal Life of the Christian “… let the word of Christ [arbitrate] in your hearts …” (Col. 3:15). Undoubtedly, the first application of this exhortation is to the individual believer. It is pointless to talk about peace in the church if there is no peace in the hearts of individual believers. Such peace, of course, comes through receiving and enthroning the Lord Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace within the heart and life. Where He reigns with undisputed authority the Spirit of God and the Word of God extend the peace of God to every area of the life. In other words, the Holy Spirit cannot produce the fruit of peace, nor can the Word of God extend the rule of peace, if there are areas which are not conquered by the indwelling presence of Christ. Only when His government is increased will the peace also be increased. Illustrate - … When George V was crowned King of Britain, his eldest son went to the old Welsh castle of Carnarvon to be received as the Prince of Wales. Accompanied by David Lloyd George, the great Welsh statesman, he approached the castle door. All within was still. The door was closed and barred. He knocked, but there was no answer. Again he knocked, with no answer. He knocked a third time. The bar was drawn, the door was flung wide open, and, as he entered, the castle was glorious with light, and the hall was vocal with song. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in” (Ps. 24:7, KJV). Open the door today, and begin rejoicing in the presence of Heaven’s Crown Prince, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Rejoice! The Prince is Born” by T. S. Rendall. The Praise Overcomer, vol. 55, no. 8 (Three Hills, Alberta, Canada: Prairie Bible Institute, December 1982), p. 591. 2) The General Life of the Church “… let the peace of God [arbitrate] in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col. 3:15). This is highly significant. The arbitrating peace of God is not only to affect the individual rife of the Christian, but the general life of the church by smoothing out the differences and conflicts that arise in the body. This is what Paul means when he says, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3); and again: “… as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18). By allowing Christ to reign supremely as Prince of Peace in our hearts we actually contribute to the elimination of discord within the church and, more essentially, to the harmony and true functioning of the body of Christ on earth. The most outstanding evidence of the presence of the supernatural in the church is that of unity. This was the burden of our Savior before He went to heaven. He prayed “that they all may be one … that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). The psalmist reminds us: “… how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! … For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore” (Ps. 133:1, 3). Illustrate Have we accepted the government of the Lord Jesus in our lives?’ Remember, the government He wants to establish and exercise in our lives rests upon His shoulder—the shoulder that once carried the cross to Calvary. We will never know peace until we recognize Jesus as the Author and Arbitrator of peace in our hearts and lives. III. The Anthenficator of Peace “… His name will be called … Prince of Peace. Of the increase of HIS government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it …” (9:6–7). Now while it is possible to know peace in the personal life of the Christian, and the general life of the church here and now, there is an actual age of peace yet to be established at the coming again of the Prince of Peace. There are two ways in which the Prince of Peace authenticates peace: 1) The Millennial Age of Peace “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end …” (9:7). When the church (consisting of all genuine believers regardless of denominational affiliation), has gone to meet the Lord in the air, certain events will follow which will usher in what is known as the millennium, or one thousand years of peaceful rule. First, there will be the emergence of the Antichrist who will reign for seven years with tyranny and terror. This period will conclude with the dread conflict of Armageddon when He, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, will engage the massed armies of the Antichrist and consume the man of sin “… with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming” (2 Thess. 2:8). The troops gathered in opposition to the Son of God will be scattered and left on the battlefield to be devoured by the birds of prey (see Rev. 19:21). Then Jesus will reign as Prince of Peace. He will establish His kingdom on earth and extend His government and peace to the ends of the world. The prophets of the Old Testament looked across the centuries and described vividly the glories and excellencies of this kingdom where peace, order, and justice will prevail (see Isa. 9:6–7). They foretold a day when “… Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more” (Micah 4:3). They described the hour when “righteousness will leave the scaffold and once more mount the throne” (see Isa. 11:1–9); when “… the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:9), and when prosperity will be the order of the day. What a glorious hope for those who are united by faith to the Prince of Peace! Are you ready for that millennial reign of Christ? 2) The Eternal Age of Peace “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end …” (Isa 9:7). Implicit in the words of this text is something that goes beyond the thousand years of the millennial reign of Christ. Prophetic scripture teaches that at the end of this glorious reign there will be a sad, but brief, interlude, namely, Satan’s final ineffective effort to thwart the purposes of God (see Rev. 20:7–10). But, once again, the enemy of God will be overcome and consigned to the bottomless pit. The Great White Throne will be set up and the doom of all unbelievers will be forever sealed (see Rev. 20:11–15). Then the new heavens and the new earth will replace the old heaven and the old earth by a process of a mighty, fiery convulsion which Peter describes in his second epistle (see 2 Pet. 3:12–13), and God will be all in all. The long, sad record of man’s treachery and rebellion will have come to an end, and peace will be established for ever and for ever. Anticipating that day, Peter says, ‘Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Pet. 3:14). Illustrate One evening in the dark war days of 1940 Anthony Eden (Lord Avon, as he became) and Winston Churchill were dining alone. They were sitting debating which period of history they would have preferred to live in, had the choice been theirs. Churchill favored the age of Queen Anne and Marlborough’s wars. Eden preferred that of Pitt and the struggle with Napoleon. They were both attracted by the first Elizabethan Age. After they had been talking in this fashion for awhile, Churchill concluded: “Of course, of all of them this is the greatest! This is the one in which to love!” And he meant it, … Nevertheless, as Browning said, “the best is yet to be.” Earth’s finest age lies not in the past but in the future—the Minennial Age in which Jesus Christ will personally preside over the affairs of this planet. And—wondrous thought!—every trueborn child of God will be alive on earth at that time! Prophetic Witness. vol. 6, no. 9 (Eastbourne, England: Prophetic Witness Publishing House, September 1982), p. 13. Conclusion - When we sing about the Prince of Peace, in Handel’s oratorio The Messiah, let us remember that that title represents the Author of peace, the Arbitrator of peace, and the Authenticator of peace. If we are to be sharers in all that is implied and involved in this title we must open our whole being to this Prince of Peace who came at Christmastime to make peace, give peace, and preach peace. The Prince of Peace came down to earth, To bring “peace and good will”; The angels sang with joy and mirth, On Beth’lem’s silent hill The Prince of Peace died on the cross, To “make peace through His blood”; He died to save us from our loss, And give us “peace with God.” Prince of Peace rose from the grave, To “preach peace” to us all, For in that word is pow’r to save, When on His name we The Prince of Peace now reigns above, To give peace to each soul; And he who yields to Him in love, Is instantly made whole. O, Prince of Peace! descend we Pray, And in us live and stay: Cast out our sin, and have full sway, Until the eternal day. (Expository Preaching Outlines - Volumes 6) Without Prince of Peace—Jesus! With worldly wisdom, skilled in guile, Earth's diplomats assemble; Ignoring Christ, they plot the while, And cunningly dissemble. Peace, peace! they cry; we'll war no more, But join the nations fast; To keep the peace and outlaw war, Secure well be at last. Without the Prince of Peace, O man, How shalt thou learn of peace? While crafty Satan makes the plan, Sin's wars shall never cease. Thou Lord of Life and Love and Peace, I yield my all to Thee; That wars within my heart shall cease, Forevermore to be. —John H. Blakely Isaiah 9:7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this: increase: 2Sa 7:16 Ps 2:8 72:8-11 89:35-37 Jer 33:15-21 Da 2:35,44 Da 7:14,27 Lk 1:32,33 1Co 15:24-28 establish it: Isa 11:3-5 32:1,2 Ps 45:4-6 72:1, 2, 3,7 Heb 1:8 Rev 19:11 zeal: Isa 37:32 59:16,17 63:4, 5, 6 2Ki 19:31 Eze 36:21, 22, 23 Isaiah 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries (see some but not all are listed below) THE KING'S REIGN PERPETUAL & PROGRESSIVE There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace - No end means Messiah's reign will be perpetual. Increase means His rule will be progressive until He has universal rule and universal peace. To state it another way, when Messiah's rule spreads, peace spreads. Indeed, no one will be able to successfully oppose Messiah's authority, undermine His government or destroy His peace. Scientists speak about the how the universe is continually expanding. Perhaps. But when the King and Creator of that universe (Jn 1:3, Col 1:16-note, Heb 1:2-note) returns to rule and reign in power and majesty from Zion, the Holy City of Jerusalem, all God's children will be witnesses to His forever expanding kingdom of grace--forever ascending, forever enlarging, forever accelerating, forever intensifying. Paul alludes to that "growth in grace" in Ephesians writing… (God) raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places (He speaks of this as an accomplished fact - in some mystical sense it is true now, but it is so certain to be true in the future that it is spoken of as a completed act!), in Christ Jesus, in order that (Why were were resurrected and seated with Christ?) in the ages (Beloved we are in an "age" now [Jews divided all time into 2 ages - present age = wholly bad and the golden age to come - cp Mt 24:3, 13:39, 40, 49, 28:20, Da 12:13-note] - it will end with return of the King to inaugurate the new age of justice and righteousness in His Millennial Kingdom) to come He might show (demonstrate, put on display) the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6, 7-note) Ortlund helps us understand why our future will never be boring (as I often hear skeptics charge) explaining that the truth of Isaiah 9:7 clearly states that… There will never come one moment when we will say, “This is the limit. He can’t think of anything new. We’ve seen it all.” No. The finite will experience ever more wonderfully the infinite, and every new moment will be better than the last. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Hallelujah! Maranatha! Amen!) Joseph Alexander comments on how it is beyond any doubt that this prophecy speaks of Jesus Christ… Upon the whole, it may be said with truth, that there is no alleged prophecy of Christ, for which it seems so difficult with any plausibility to find another subject; and until that is done which all the Rabbis and a Grotius could not do, we may repose upon the old evangelical interpretation as undoubtedly the true one. Notice how Isaiah 9:6 begins with a Child and Isaiah 9:7 describes a King on the throne of David. Young says this kingdom cannot be the Millennium because it begins with a child and a child could not be king over a much later "millennial" kingdom (He would no longer still be a child). What Young discards is the time gap between Jesus' birth (First Coming) and His return (Second Coming), this latter event described in Revelation 19:16-note at which time He presents Himself as King of kings, takes the throne of David and establishes His Messianic Kingdom (See events leading up to the Millennium). Isaiah 9:7 has not been literally fulfilled so that there has been a time gap now of almost 2000 years (See another passage which has a clear time gap). (Related resource: Jesus' Teaching on "Time Gap" in prophecy and Time gaps in interpretation of prophecy) The throne of David and over His kingdom - Isa 9:6 says a son will be given to us (Israel) and here we see that He must be the "son of David", the rightful heir to David’s throne Who will fulfill all the promises of the Davidic Covenant (2Sa 7:12, 13, 14, 15, 16; cf. Ps 89:1-37; Mt 1:1). This verse refers to a literal throne which Jesus will occupy at His second coming (cp Rev 20:4-note, Rev 5:10-note). These truths in Isaiah's prophecy shed an entirely new light on a familiar Christmas carol which addresses Christ's first coming, but which might be more accurately classified as a Millennial hymn of praise to the King of Glory at His Second Coming… Joy to the World by Isaac Watts Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, and wonders of His love. Luke describes the throne of David writing… He (Messiah) will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David (Lk 1:32-commentary). H A