Isaiah the prophet spoke of the coming King Jesus in his prophesies and foretold the kind of King he would be. This King would be one who would change the world, but in a more profound and yet unrealized way than some might think.

The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
You will multiply the nation,
You will increase their joy;
They will rejoice in Your presence
As with the joy of harvest,
As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.
For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.
For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,
And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:2-7

Praise God! The Prince of Peace will destroy all conflict and restore the wholeness of the world. There will be no need for armies, so the uniforms of the soldiers will be burnt up in a fire (v5). We know that Jesus said that there will continue to be conflict and suffering until he returns (Mark 13:7) but we can look forward to His return and the eternal Blessings He will bring when he changes the world for good!

This is what the reign of the Prince of Peace means for us in our lives day to day as well; we seek to do the will of Him who we represent. We are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and we seek to reflect the attitude of our King in that respect. Let us be the Peace that others need to see in the world.

Ethan Kirl

Originally published February 2, 2021