Date: June 25, 2025
 

'O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord.' (Jeremiah 22:29)

Even as you read this, there are nations around the world warring with each other. Picture a conflict zone - civilians fleeing their  homes that are no longer safe; armed forces engaging in fierce combat; families helplessly watching their loved ones die; rescue workers risking their lives to provide humanitarian service; deafening missiles ripping the air, reducing massive buildings to rubble in the blink of an eye. Amid all this are thousands of people, huddled up in overcrowded refugee camps, facing an unknown future. Life becomes a blur in just a moment. The word 'peace' means nothing to them anymore. Most importantly, WHERE IS GOD?

A Hebrew prophet named Isaiah, who lived 700 years before Jesus Christ predicted the Lord's birth - the coming of Jesus as a baby into this world through the Virgin Mary - in Isaiah 9:6. That Bible verse reads like this: "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."

A direct reference to Jesus as the Prince of Peace was first made by prophet Isaiah to offer hope to a nation gripped by fear during a time of political instability. About 200 years after Isaiah, another prophet named Zechariah announced the coming of Jesus as a King, Saviour, and Judge, who would "speak peace to the nations". (Zechariah 9:10) 

An interesting aspect of his prophecy included the detail of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a few days before Jesus was taken to be crucified on the cross. Zechariah 9:9 foretells the incident: "See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah was reminding the people that there would be a glorious Messianic King, and when He arrived, it would be a great day of rejoicing, worth celebrating. The prophet was encouraging the people to not lose hope, but wait for the King, who would bring peace. But, why would a King come on a donkey?

Jerusalem, popularly called the city of David, was the city of kings, where rulers rode on horses to meet their enemies in battle. Jesus' choice of a donkey was to say that He was not for war, but was instead the King of Peace. From Matthew 21:5, which  affirms: "Behold, your King is coming to you on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden," we fully understand that Jesus was the Messiah - the Only One who can help sinful people such as we make peace with God.

Again, John 12:13 elaborates on the incident: "So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying out 'Hosanna'." From this we realise that Jesus intentionally made His 'triumphal entry' into Jerusalem, to let people know that He was the source of peace for every soul.

At the time of Jesus' birth, even angels proclaimed that the newborn baby was bringing peace (Luke 2:14). In the 33 years that Jesus walked the earth as a man, He was a messenger of peace, anointed with the Holy Spirit and power by God; He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil. (Acts 10:38) Ephesians 2:17 reads: "And He came and preached peace to you." How true! 

So, the Lord Jesus is undeniably the Prince of Peace and the King of Peace, who alone can establish peace on earth. He is the One who can bring peace to your turbulent heart as well. When you accept Jesus as your Saviour, His peace will fill your heart and make you a peacemaker, just like Him. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus Himself says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Peace is powerful. The peace of God can accomplish the impossible. Peace is God's richest blessing, indeed. Ephesians 2:14 says, "For He Himself is our peace." It is this Saviour who can make wars end. Psalm 46:9 confirms this: "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth."

When we - His children of peace - pray for God's hand to rest upon the nations torn by war, God will breathe His peace on earth. In 1 Timothy 2:2, we are urged to "pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Our prayer will make rulers and authorities bow down to the Prince of Peace, for Jesus says in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Receive the Lord's peace today. It's free. Stay strong in prayer and watch His peace change the world.

~ Dr. Paul Dhinakaran