The Prince of Peace

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/15/22

Before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace—a Savior whose authority would bring release from the burden of sin. Although we often search for peace in the wrong things—in financial security, relationships, or recreation—God is the only one who can bring us true peace.

The Hebrew word shalom is often translated “peace,” but its full meaning has a deeper richness to it. Shalom is a sense of completeness and soundness and living well. It implies safety, good health, prosperity, tranquility, and contentment. Shalom means favor, fulfillment, restoration, harmony, and reconciliation. God is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace.

Shalom meets the human heart’s deepest longings and is the greatest measure of contentment. True shalom cannot exist in a heart that is void of Jesus Christ. Shalom cannot exist in a heart that is divided between a love of God and a love of the world. There is no room for peace in a heart that is harboring anxiety, distrust, greed, anger, or bitterness.

The Messiah is referred to as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. Although the text translates to “prince,” the original meaning of the word embodies the power of the king. The prince here has the full authority, delegation, and dignity of the king. Only when the Prince of Peace rules in our hearts and minds can we have peace. Until we submit to His authority and power, our peace will be incomplete.

We can know eternal peace because Jesus Himself became our peace through His sacrifice (see Ephesians 2:14-18). When we allow Him to reign, peace begins to fill our homes, our workplaces, and our relationships. An inner assurance fills our hearts and our minds as we begin to trust in Him.

Are you experiencing shalom in your life? Or is there an area where you have not let Jesus reign? Confess to God the roadblocks you have placed that are preventing God’s all-encompassing peace from filling your heart. If you are unsure of what is creating discord in your heart, seek the Holy Spirit’s discernment to show you. Submit to the leadership of the Prince of Peace today.

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Prince of Peace, and I give up control to You today. Show me the areas where I have not allowed You to reign. Thank You for lifting my burdens and giving me rest in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).