LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Jesus, the Prince of Peace
"And his name shall be called … Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
First we need to understand the role of a prince in a kingdom. The king has the function of governing the entire kingdom, but the prince, who is being prepared to be king, can already play the role of mediator in a province when necessary. The king rules everything, but the prince can represent the king in some tasks. Jesus came to earth as the Prince of Peace: "Him God has exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31).
Jesus at his first coming did not come to reign, but to mediate peace between men and God; and this was not understood by the nation of Israel: "...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Col 1:20-22).
God is the creator of all things, and he rules over all (Ps. 103:19). But the man rebelled against his creator. Men became his enemies, and so that man might not perish, God sent his Son, the Prince of Peace, to make reconciliation with us: "For he is our peace" (Eph. 2:14 ).
Jesus is the Prince of peace. He is the testimony of God's good will toward men. Jesus Christ is the Prince sent by the King to seek peace with men (Luke 2:12-14). God sent Jesus in peace; he is the Prince of peace. He came to mediate our peace with God, and now he becomes our peace: "I have spoken these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have affliction; but take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Now, peace with God is not a state or a circumstance. Nor is it the peace that the world gives, but a Person: "Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; I do not give it to you as the world gives it. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor be afraid" (John 14:27). Now the Prince of peace lives in us, and leads us to live in peace with God (Rom. 5:1-2).
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to mediate our peace with God. However, one day, his Father will give him the kingdom, and he will reign forever (Rev. 11:15-17). "...because of the truth that abides in us, and will be with us forever: Grace be with you, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, in truth and in love" (2 John 1:2-3). The kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21), and it is a kingdom of peace. Blessed be our Prince of Peace: Jesus!