Peace Robbers
by Patti Marshall, Elder for Prayer Ministry
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)
Seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah spoke into a situation where Judah felt powerless and afraid. As enemies grew in strength and grasp, the people didn’t know if God was for or against them or if He had simply abandoned them. This reassuring verse tells of a child who will be born bearing the title Prince of Peace, a child given by God, who will represent His presence and embody His attributes.
Because Judah focused on busyness and fluctuating emotions and circumstances, peace was elusive. Not found or felt. They forgot how their faithful God of Shalom always kept His promises for restored wholeness, harmony, and health in people, climate, and the land through the Promised One, Jesus the Prince of Peace.
In November, peace was as elusive as a butterfly. I chased it, but it was often out of reach. I left my iPad on an airplane and lost a credit card. My husband fell and shattered a glass table. The washing machine overflowed. I lost my diamond ring. The month was drenched with impatience over forgetfulness, bogged down with frustration of getting a new credit card, overwhelmed with fear from the fall, soppy with soapy water on the floor, and flooded with tears of sentimental loss.
I got so caught up in the busyness and fluctuating emotions and circumstances that I forgot Jesus’ words: “Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
I only remembered Him saying, “In this world you will have trouble.” I forgot that He also said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. … But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Peace, that’s not found or felt, expressed itself in grumbling prayer, uneasy sleep, and fluttering angst.
Everyone is searching for peace, which can be elusive, especially in a world with war, violence, political disharmony, and fear of physical safety. So don’t forget, as I did. Remember the God of Shalom and His Son, the Prince of Peace, who promises to restore hope, wholeness, harmony, health, and rest to us.
PS. When I finally let go and released those four peace robbers to Jesus, a butterfly rested in my open hand.
Reflection:
Read Isaiah 9:6 again.
Are you yearning for peace? That “calm of mind that is not ruffled by adversity, overclouded by a remorseful conscience, or disturbed by fear”? The Prince of Peace (Shar Shalom) awaits your invitation into that yearning.
And here’s the Christmas version of the song “Isn’t He,” if you want to sing along and praise our Prince of Peace.