Bible Text: Isaiah 9:2, 6 | Speaker: Dr. Harold J. Sala | Series: Guidelines For Living | His name shall be called … Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2, 6

Of the vast number of names and titles given to the babe born at Bethlehem, none is more beautiful and tender than the prophecy given by Isaiah who wrote, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them the light has shined.” “His name,” wrote Isaiah shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:2, 6).

As we ponder the meaning of Christmas and the coming of this one born in a stable at Bethlehem, the description of “a people who walk in darkness” aptly describes today’s world, but what of the term, “Prince of Peace”? There is strong evidence to support the allegation that in the past twelve months, more Christians, “followers of Jesus Christ” have been slain because of their faith than in any other twelve-month period of history.

How many have been slain by ISIS or murdered by Muslim extremists—simply because they are followers of the cross is unknown, to say nothing of those who have been accosted by gunmen in the nation that puts “In God we trust” on their coins and executed when they were held at gunpoint and asked, “Are you a Christian?” and they replied in the affirmative.

I have good news for you who doubt that the title given by Isaiah to Jesus Christ some 2700 years ago is entirely still valid. There is coming a day when God says, “Enough!” and the Prince of Peace returns with a sword in His hands to wreak vengeance upon those who curse His name and hate His followers.

The reality is that God is merciful and patient to a point, but there comes a time when the judgment of God falls and the wicked are punished. Whoa! Let’s back up for a moment. The word that Isaiah used is a common Hebrew word, Shalom. The Arabic counterpart is Salam. And in the Middle East when friends meet each other today they use whichever word is appropriate. But the term shalom means far more than a simple greeting. The term conveys “wholeness” and best wishes for your health. An upraised hand is a token of friendship and shows no weapon that might endanger the other person.

The first book found in your Bible is Genesis, a book of beginnings, and the last book in your Bible is the book of Revelation, that tells how humankind will face its grand finale of God’s judgment.

When I was a boy, I discovered western novels in Thatcher Library near my home, and Zane Gray, an author who didn’t know what political correctness is, wrote exciting sagas of the west—bandits, heroes, and damsels in distress- the whole ten yards. On more than one occasion I would be reading one when my mother would enter and say, “Lights out; go to sleep!” Being a dutiful son, I would turn out the light but take my trusty Ray-o-Vac flashlight and disappear under the covers, turning to the last chapter of the book that told how everything would end.

The book of Revelation is the last chapter and it says that The Prince of Peace, spurned by untold generations, will return to planet Earth. Words made famous by George Frederic Handel explain, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:9).

When that happens, our war-weary world will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Someday the lion and the lamb will lie down together and there will be war no more. Today my heart cries out, “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!” Yes, come quickly!

Resource reading: Isaiah 9:6-7