The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future King, who would make a covenant of shalom with his people. His reign would right all wrongs and heal all brokenness.
READ
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
REFLECT
-What words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage?
-Based on this passage, how does the Prince of Peace govern his Kingdom?
-How can you help bring about God’s peaceful rule in the places where you have influence?
-Pray to ask the Prince of Peace to govern over and through you this week.
Day 10
Day 8 - PEACE video intro
"Peace" is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus. READ 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Day 9
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it describes not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of completion, reconciliation, and justice. READ 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 REFLECT -Consider what you have learned in the Bible so far. Name five habits (thoughts, actions, or words) that you believe are pleasing to God. -How do you think these habits could make peace even between enemies?
Day 11
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would lead to eternal shalom. Isaiah’s words were fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus. This is why it is so significant that the angels described Jesus’ birth as “peace on earth.” READ 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:9-15 REFLECT -Why do you think God announced the arrival of the King to no-name shepherds? What does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom? -Imagine being there with the shepherds that night. How would you feel? How would you respond? -Notice the words “highest” and “earth” in the angel’s worshipful announcement. What came from the heights of heaven down to earth when Jesus was born? How is this good news? Let your reflections prompt a prayer to express your feelings of awe and gratitude.