“HIS NAME SHALL BE”
Terry R. Baughman
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
“His Name shall Be” — Prince of Peace!
Upon the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem another unusual event took place not far away. Shepherds were living out in the fields during this time of year with their sheep as they moved from place to place seeking the tender fresh grass. On this night an angel appeared to the shepherds proclaiming the good news, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Then suddenly more angels appeared creating a multitude of the heavenly host. Together they were extolling the greatness of God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). This Child born to Mary while a transient in Judea was destined to bring peace!
Just previous to this event another miraculous birth took place when John (the Baptist) was born to Elizabeth and Zacharias, a previously barren couple. Zacharias broke forth with a prophetic utterance after he wrote that their child was to be called John. His prophecy concluded with the promise that the coming One from on high would visit to give light to those in darkness and “guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).
Though the message of Jesus would often spark discourse and division among those who rejected His message, that was not the goal of His ministry. The truth was like a sword dividing those who were in opposition to the message of restoration with God. (See Matthew 10:34–39.) Jesus came to deal with the sin problem that has made us enemies with God. Only through salvation can we find peace, the peace that Jesus came to give all humanity.
Jesus described this peace to His disciples before He went away, “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). The peace Jesus brings comes through reconciliation with God. His plan was to provide a path for peace. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! (John 14:6).
On one occasion Jesus slept in the stern of the boat while with His disciples as a storm brewed on the Sea of Galilee. The storm became so intense that these experienced fishermen became fearful for the loss of their lives. They awoke Jesus in desperation. He simply stepped up, “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).
In a world of fearful chaos Jesus is still there speaking peace into our most desperate situations. Not only can He speak with authority over natural forces, but Jesus is supreme over all of the spiritual forces of this world. He is the Prince of Peace. While some may fear our adversary, the prince and power of the air, there is great relief knowing that our God is able to bring peace not only in our atmosphere but in our most vital areas of conflict. He is our peace.
His Name shall Be!
Scripture:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).
Terry R. Baughman
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
“His Name shall Be” — Prince of Peace!
Upon the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem another unusual event took place not far away. Shepherds were living out in the fields during this time of year with their sheep as they moved from place to place seeking the tender fresh grass. On this night an angel appeared to the shepherds proclaiming the good news, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Then suddenly more angels appeared creating a multitude of the heavenly host. Together they were extolling the greatness of God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). This Child born to Mary while a transient in Judea was destined to bring peace!
Just previous to this event another miraculous birth took place when John (the Baptist) was born to Elizabeth and Zacharias, a previously barren couple. Zacharias broke forth with a prophetic utterance after he wrote that their child was to be called John. His prophecy concluded with the promise that the coming One from on high would visit to give light to those in darkness and “guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).
Though the message of Jesus would often spark discourse and division among those who rejected His message, that was not the goal of His ministry. The truth was like a sword dividing those who were in opposition to the message of restoration with God. (See Matthew 10:34–39.) Jesus came to deal with the sin problem that has made us enemies with God. Only through salvation can we find peace, the peace that Jesus came to give all humanity.
Jesus described this peace to His disciples before He went away, “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). The peace Jesus brings comes through reconciliation with God. His plan was to provide a path for peace. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! (John 14:6).
On one occasion Jesus slept in the stern of the boat while with His disciples as a storm brewed on the Sea of Galilee. The storm became so intense that these experienced fishermen became fearful for the loss of their lives. They awoke Jesus in desperation. He simply stepped up, “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).
In a world of fearful chaos Jesus is still there speaking peace into our most desperate situations. Not only can He speak with authority over natural forces, but Jesus is supreme over all of the spiritual forces of this world. He is the Prince of Peace. While some may fear our adversary, the prince and power of the air, there is great relief knowing that our God is able to bring peace not only in our atmosphere but in our most vital areas of conflict. He is our peace.
His Name shall Be!
Scripture:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).
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