Of the many titles given to Jesus, none are perhaps quite as striking as “the Prince of Peace.” When considering the names and titles which God describes Himself to us as, we should remember that God doesn’t need to name himself for His benefit. Whenever God gives himself a name, he does it for our benefit.
So when the God-breathed, holy Spirit inspired scriptures refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace, what does that mean? That’s a challenging question to answer, but it’s vital to understand to appreciate the gift of divine peace that Jesus gives to us.
Defining Peace
The word “peace” in English has a variety of uses ranging from freedom from trouble to a friendly farewell in modern slang. In the scriptures, though, peace takes on a richer meaning. Peace in Hebrew is שָׁלוֹם shalom; and means prosperity, well-being, safety, and security. Modern Hebrew speakers use it for many situations, including greetings, farewells, blessings, and so-on.
The word peace in Greek is ειρήνη eirini, and like its Hebrew counterpart, carries the meaning of total-sufficiency and well-being. So when we see that the scriptures declare peace, they are are declaring more than our typical expectations.
Jesus’ Title: Prince of Peace
This kind of all-encompassing peace for every area of life may seem miraculous, even too good to be true, unless we factor Jesus into the equation. This is the critical component missing from the lives of many people— even Christians to some degree. Are there areas of your life that could use divine peace? Your body? Your relationships? Your finances? Perhaps all of the above, or something entirely different? This is where Jesus comes into play.
It’s very easy to dismiss the benefits of your union with Christ, which is why David writes in the Psalms about not forgetting those benefits in Psalm 103.
Those blessings include spiritual and physical advantages, and it’s vital that we remind ourself continually of each of them, as we are directed.
But there’s more then simply the mention of the LORD’s benefits as a list. There is a personal aspect to it as well. One of Jesus’ titles is “The Prince of Peace” שָׁלוֹם שַׂר (sar shalom) mentioned in Isaiah 9:6. Now, remember that God does not need to give Himself names and titles for Himself— there would be no reason. So whenever we read any name or title of God, and the ways that He reveals Himself, it is always for our benefit.
Here we see that The Holy Spirit via the scriptures reveals a title for Jesus as the Prince of Peace. Now, if you’re inquisitive like me, you may be wondering “Why the prince and not the king of peace?”
The fact that Jesus is the Prince of Peace is actually a vital detail, because the Prince is the highest royal messenger for his father. Most people see Jesus and the Father like two opposing forces: Jesus being nice and forgiving, and the Father being a harsh judge. But Jesus as the Prince of Peace shows us that the Father is extending the message of peace which the Son is presenting to us. The message of God’s rich, divine peace comes as much from the Father as it does from the Son, and this informs us about the Father’s heart for us.
Applying God’s Peace
Knowing about God’s peace is one thing, but how do we make use of it? There’s a big difference between intellectually knowing that divine peace exists and is available, versus actually experiencing it in day-to-day life.
The key to receiving and enjoying God’s peace in your life goes beyond head-knowledge… the life which Jesus brings is not about Bible-trivia and memorizing facts It also doesn’t come from engaging in typical Christian activities regularly attending building, tithing or self-effort and works.
True divine peace comes from Jesus, and more specifically your personal union with Him in the New Covenant. It’s your new life in Christ that grants you all of the benefits of preservation, protection, provision, safety and security of divine peace. Because you are righteous, blameless and set-apart (holy) in Him, precisely because that is what He has made you to be! You didn’t earn this position; He gave it to you as a gift, and therefore fore, you enjoy the rights and status of that position in Him.
1st Peter 5:6-7 says this:
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.”
Although we have a preference for quick results today, I invite you to not quickly skip passed this. Notice the details of these two verses… I go into much more detail about this in my book, but the first essential point is to humble yourself. Now this
“humbling” is not the typical Christian legalistic humbling that makes a person afraid of God or terrified of His punishment— that wouldn’t be peaceful at all. Rather, the verse is speaking about humbling your self (your human efforts, fears, worries, and strength) under His mighty hand. The mighty hand of God is not a heavy hand of oppression, but is a hand that upholds and exalts you in due time.
You accomplish this humbling, by casting all your cares upon Him. The word “casting” here means to throw quickly. We are instructed to quickly throw all of our cares upon God— not in an abstract way, but in a personal way, because He cares for you.
The “due time” in which you are exalted is now. As the scripture says in 2nd Corinthians 6:2: Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation. That’s soteria, preservation, protection, healing, deliverance. No more waiting! Today is the day, and now is the time!
Our spiritual enemy, the devil, will try all manner of tactics to try and obscure, obfuscate, and hinder this truth. The scripture says that he roams around like a roaring lion. But he is not actually a lion… He goes around like a roaring lion. The fearsome image is just an illusion, designed to keep you timid.
But as we live the reality of our status and position as new creations in Christ, His peace will reign in us, and through us.
Be blessed.