"Prince of Peace"

Besides everlasting life, man also needs peace, both with God and with his fellowman. Even today, those subjecting themselves to the rule of the "Prince of Peace" have 'beaten their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears.' (Isaiah 2:2-4)  They do not nurse hatreds because of political, territorial, racial, or economic differences.  They are united in the worship of the one true God, Jehovah, and they work to maintain peaceful relations with their neighbors, both inside and outside the congregation. Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:2, 3; 2 Timothy 2:24.

In God's due time, Christ will establish on earth a peace that will be global, firmly established, permanent.  (Acts 1:7)  "To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite."  (Isaiah 9:7a)  In exercising his authority of the Prince of Peace, Jesus will not resort to tyrannical means.  His subjects will not be stripped of their free will and subjugated  by force.  Rather, all that he will accomplish will be "by means of justice and by means of righteousness." What a refreshing change!

In view of the wonderful implications of Jesus' prophetic name, Isaiah's conclusion to this part of his prophecy is truly thrilling.  He writes:  "The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this."  (Isaiah 9:7b)  Yes, Jehovah acts with zeal.  He does nothing in a halfhearted way.  We can be sure that whatever he promises, he will fully accomplish.  If anyone, then, longs to enjoy everlasting peace, let him serve Jehovah wholeheartedly.  Like Jehovah God and Jesus, the Prince of Peace, may all servants of God be 'zealous for fine works." -Titus 2:14.

Next time: Woe to the Rebels! Chapter Eleven

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind