The Road To Bethlehem: Prince of Peace

Today, we finish up our journey through Isaiah 9:6 (but not the road to Bethlehem) as we come to "Prince of Peace."

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

• The Hebrew words here are sar shalowm.

• Sar means prince or commander. It is used in the Old Testament of both nobility (princes) and commanders of armies.
• Shalowm is a word that today is used of peace. It can refer to completeness (in number), safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment, peace in friendship
• We know that the Messiah will be
• ruler of everything (the governement will be on his shoulders)
• a master strategist (wonderful counselor)
• a mighty warrior (mighty God)
• forever (everlasting father)
• So what will he rule over?
• a complete kingdom - not one of His children will be left out
• a safe kingdom where we will be free from harm
• a healthy kingdom where no one will get sick again
• a peaceful kingdom where there will be no more war
• If that sounds like Heaven, it is!
• From all that we've learned by looking at Isaiah 9:6, can you see how the Israelites would be looking forward excitedly for the Messiah?
• Aren't you glad that we know the Messiah is Jesus?
• Are you glad that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy?