In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is given a fourfold name, one of the four being Prince of Peace. The word ‘prince’ means first, as we can see in the word Principal that is used of a person who is in charge.
What ideas come to mind when we think of this name? When we say Charles is the Prince of Wales, we mean that in some way Wales is his country. In a higher sense, the name of the realm of Jesus is Peace. That describes the atmosphere and activities of heaven, and it is wonderful to think about it.
At the same time, he brings about peace between us and God. This is the first consequence when someone believes the gospel. The gospel offer is that of peace with God because Jesus paid the penalty for sin on the cross. That is why he went to the cross.
In addition, Jesus is the provider of peace. That is what he promised to his disciples when he said to them, ‘My peace I give to you.’ They did not deserve it. Still he gave it to them. He can provide his peace in all kinds of situations.
Another way of knowing his peace is by obedience to his commands. God once said of his people that if they had listened to his commandments their peace would have been like a river. And a psalmist said that those who love God’s law have great peace.
From Jesus, we can have the peace of fellowship, the peace of forgiveness, and the peace that is a foretaste of heaven. And Isaiah 9:7 says that of the increase of his peace there will be no end.
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