Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we begin our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we're reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus. At present, I'm only posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Happy New Year! Today, from Isaiah 9:5-7, we reflect on the hope of the eternal peace that Jesus promises to us.
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‘Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.’ (Isaiah 9:5-7)
This promise from Isaiah, speaks of an end to all hostility in this world. We are promised that the birth of Jesus will lead to the end of all war. Jesus is named: ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ and we are told that, ‘Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’ Today, let’s briefly reflect on how we are to understand this promise of peace.
1. God’s ways lead to peace
Firstly, the more people who choose to follow Jesus’ ways, the more peace there will be in our lives, communities and the world. The lifestyle of Christians is well summed up;
‘Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.’ (Romans 12:14-18)
This is not the main meaning of the text, however, we must all ask ourselves if we are truly allowing the ‘Prince of Peace’ to rule in us and through us?
2. Jesus’ coming will lead to eternal peace
The main meaning of this promise is the eternal peace that Jesus’ coming will achieve. it is because ‘a child is born, to us a son is given’ that eternal and complete peace is guaranteed. As important as our efforts at peace-making are, it’s Jesus' character and power that will achieve the restoration of peace to all of creation. Only He can undo the curse of The Fall that led so quickly to Cain killing Able, which was the first ‘battle’ and foreshadowing of all wars. As Adam’s sin brought sin, death and war into the world, so Jesus’ death and resurrection will remove all sin, death and war from the world. Today, on this first day of the New Year, let’s be filled with that future, glorious hope - an eternal peace that will happen because ‘The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.’ on that day, the promise on Isaiah 11 will be fulfilled:
‘They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.’ (Isaiah 11:9)
Let’s pray together
“Jesus, I thank you for the vision of hope that you want me to live with. Help me, Holy Spirit, to live with the hope of eternal life. In this trouble-filled world, help me to be of service and use me to bring peace, lead people to your peace and be sustained with the joy that your hope gives. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
Due to the Christmas break, I haven’t produced a study for Community Groups. If, however, you do decide to meet together, please choose one of the devotionals and discuss this together.
Note
Sunday services will be back as normal on Sunday 5th January.
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