A description of the course that explains what you will learn and how it will help you grow closer to Jesus
4 lessons
4 lessons
4 lessons
Peace is not an unrealistic dream, but the heart of our King
Peace is often viewed as a lofty but unrealistic ideal—a vague hope for poets and dreamers. Sentimental leaders muse, "Oh, if only we could have world peace!"
In Isaiah 9, however, the prophet thunderously denounces the oppression and darkness in his society. He speaks unsparingly of arrogant evildoers, bloody warfare, and spiritual rebellion. The powerful shamelessly exploit the poor, crush the vulnerable, and enrich themselves at the expense of the needy.
Isaiah is not describing some fictional land—don't his words still describe the injustice and violence of our own day?
But Isaiah does more than diagnose society's ills. He boldly prophesies of a future king who will establish unmatched justice, righteousness, and peace: a royal child who will bear the very name of God. When all is right and whole, God calls this 'shalom' (peace).
Centuries later, John the Baptist's father, Zechariah, proclaimed the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Prince of Peace (see Luke 1:67-79).
Throughout his ministry, Jesus embodied God's peace. He confronted the proud and powerful and cared for the poor and marginalized. On the cross, he broke the ultimate threat of violence—death—and forever established peace between God and humanity. He even prayed for his executioners, "God, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
In Jesus, we see that peace is not an unrealistic dream, but the heart of our King.
As his followers, the Holy Spirit is at work within us, establishing peace in our lives (see Galatians 5:22-23). As we become like the Prince of Peace, we follow Jesus' example.
The Prince of Peace is no distant dream or fairy tale—Jesus is our peace. And today, through the outreach of God's people, God's promise of peace continues to be fulfilled.
This Advent, we wait in peace for Christ to come again, and make all things new.
Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
How have you heard peace discussed as a sentimental or unrealistic ideal?
If the Bible only described peace as an inner feeling, what would you think?
How can you take the initiative to heal a broken relationship this Advent season?
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