Peace and the Rule of God in Our Lives

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:7 (LSB)

Tuning your television to your favorite news outlet (if you are brave enough to watch for any length of time) makes the world's lack of peace and stillness evident to those who are willing to acknowledge it. Whether at a local, state, national, or international level, the lack of internal or external peace evidences the broken nature of our world.

Considering the life and ministry of the Prophet Isaiah, we may see the truth about matters in the world today. Not much has changed since the Southern Kingdom's (Judah) demise and fall to the Babylonian empire. Sure, some nations or people groups may go by a different name, and others may have been eradicated through conquest, but the heart's condition has not changed.

Luckily, the Scriptures provide us with a strong sense of hope as we see the beauty of God's steadfast faithfulness and his enduring grace and mercy.

In his prophetic call, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah shows how there would be a time when peace would not be a long-forgotten ideal or the pipedream of those who hold to pacifism as a personal ethic. Isaiah speaks of a peace that is so complete that it would not be by the power of allegiance of world leaders but by the might and power of the One Sovereign LORD—God Himself.

As you consider the current global climate with countries dealing with unrest, wars, and a number of other social issues, I encourage you, dear reader, to hold fast to the promise of the One King- the Son of David who would make all things new and have dominion over the earth. Consider the power of His presence in your life and the lives of those you hold dear. Will the world continue to deal with heartache and suffering because of its current state, dealing with sin? Yes, without a doubt. Will it be forever? No, absolutely and unequivocally, No!

When you face uncertainty and the circumstances around you cause your heart to tremble and your nerves to slip, remember- God has seated Jesus Christ on the everlasting throne. He holds the scepter of heavenly rule. He is the God-Man whose reign is already established and who will soon make all things new after delivering judgment against all who oppose Him. Peace is not a long-forgotten ideal; it is the everyday reality of those who walk confidently with God as Lord and Savior. Peace is found in Jesus Christ.