From the DAWGHouse…
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 paints a majestic portrait of the Messiah, describing Him with titles that capture the fullness of His character and mission: “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 these, “The Prince of Peace” reveals Jesus Christ as the bringer of divine harmony, reconciliation, and ultimate rest for the soul.
As we end our season of Advent reflection…
The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, encompasses more than the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, completeness, and the restoration of all that is broken. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus embodies and provides this profound peace, offering believers reconciliation with God, peace within themselves, and harmony with others.
Jesus came to restore the broken relationship between humanity and God caused by sin. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for sin, making it possible for believers to stand before God in righteousness and enjoy an unbroken relationship with Him.
The peace Jesus offers is not dependent on external circumstances. In John 14:27, He says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” This is a peace that guards the hearts and minds of believers, even during trials and uncertainties (Philippians 4:7). It is a deep assurance that comes from trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.
Jesus also brings peace to relationships. Ephesians 2:14–16 describes how He has broken down the dividing walls of hostility, uniting people from all backgrounds into one body through His sacrifice. As the Prince of Peace, He calls believers to live as peacemakers, reflecting His love and grace in their interactions with others (Matthew 5:9).
Indeed, the peace that Jesus brings is both a present reality and a future promise. While believers experience His peace now through faith, the fullness of His reign as the Prince of Peace will be realized in His eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:4 assures us of a time when all conflict, pain, and sorrow will cease: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Isaiah 2:4 echoes this vision of Christ’s ultimate reign: “He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
What is the takeaway for the men of Forge?
- We can rest in the knowledge that Jesus is in control. His peace anchors them, no matter how chaotic life may appear.
- As followers of the Prince of Peace, we are called to be agents of reconciliation in our families, communities, at Forge and the world. This means pursuing forgiveness, healing, and unity in the name of Christ.
- The peace of Christ is a gift to be shared. The men of Forge are commissioned to spread the good news of the gospel, inviting others to experience the reconciliation and peace that only Jesus can provide.
For believers, the title “Prince of Peace” is a reminder of the comprehensive peace that Jesus brings. It is a peace that begins with reconciliation to God, transforms hearts and lives, and points forward to the day when He will establish eternal peace over all creation.
To the Kingdom
Joe Bouch
