Advent 2: Greater is Coming: Behold The Prince of Peace by Brother Taji Brown

 

Greater is Coming: Behold The Prince of Peace

Focus Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Greater is coming simply translates as Jesus is coming for the Blood washed believer. “For unto

us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And

His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of

Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) As we celebrate the second week of Advent, let us focus our attention on

peace. Let us settle our minds and spirits, as we get in the Presence of the Lord. Gideon

understood Peace quite well according to Judges 6:23-24. “Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be

with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it

The-Lord-Is-Peace.” Be encouraged this Advent season because Greater is coming.

Peace can be defined as being free from mental or spiritual agitation. There have been quite a

few disruptions and an overwhelming number of tragic happenings over the last few years. We

have faced pandemics, wars, floods, and isolation. People have been plagued by mental health

complications and demonic oppression. The enemy has set traps and devised schemes to

intensify the chaos in the life of believers. Reportings of anxiety, depression, and suicidal

ideations are at an all time high. People are traumatized due to the number of loved ones lost in

such a short time span. Feelings of loneliness have taunted individuals in the midnight hour.

Bitterness and envy has put a wedge between family members. We need access to greater peace

more now than ever. Praise be to God, we are able to obtain this sort of peace because Jehovah

Shalom has come.

Based on Isaiah 9:6, Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace. When He was born, He

brought Divine Peace into the world with Him. His peace is perfect and He gives it to us as a

gift. God has given us the recipe to accessing a new level of peace in Christ Jesus. Below you

will find four key ingredients that will assist you on your journey towards gaining greater peace.

These stepping stones build on one another and have the capacity to take you to higher heights in

the Lord. May peace be with you and your loved ones during this season.

1. Peace with God: For starters, you will need an understanding of what it means to have

Peace with God. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) We must thank God for Jesus and His

shed Blood on Calvary. His sacrifice ended the war between God and man once and for

all. It settled the score and allowed us to join the Winning Team. The work He did on

the cross put us in the right standings with God. We can now have access to the Father

by faith through grace, “And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether

things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

(Colossians 1:20)

2. Peace of God: Once we grasp that we have Peace with God, we can then receive the

Peace of God. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives

do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

When God gives us His peace we have nothing to worry about or fear. We can rest and

be comforted in His safety. God’s peace urges us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in

everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made

known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) God’s peace protects and

shields us from turmoil. Not only that, the Peace of God cannot be totally fathomed. It

goes beyond what our finite minds can comprehend. Furthermore, the peace that God

gives us is capable of covering our hearts and minds so there is no disturbance. “For God

is not the author of confusion but of peace…” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

3. Peace with oneself: Accepting the Peace of God allows you to be at peace with oneself.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in

You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Examining this text closer, you will see how God makes your entire

being be at peace without defect. You will be completely and totally satisfied within

yourself. You will operate in an ideal state that is absolute. The requirement for this sort

of inner peace is keeping your gaze fixed on the Lord. You must think about things that

are above and not beneath. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually

minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) You have to keep your focus on the Lord

because that is where your Help comes from. This type of inner peace is only obtained

by trusting in our Savior with all your heart and might. You have to place your faith and

belief entirely on the True and Living King. We have to be all in and totally sold out for

Christ because He is our Redeemer. “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him

seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11)

4. Peace with others: Establishing your inner peace grants you the opportunity to foster

peace with others. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all

men.” (Romans 12:18) We should dwell in peace and harmony with those around us.

Our communities should be united and on one accord. We should be praying,

worshiping, and serving the Lord as one body. We should not be fighting, arguing, and

promoting division amongst our brethren. Instead we should sow seeds of love, kindness,

and gentleness to cultivate a peaceful environment. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for

they will be called children of God.” (Matthews 5:9) This takes some work on all of our

part to ensure that the peace is sustained. That means forgiving when needed,

apologizing when warranted, and being humble in any given situation. “Finally,

brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in

peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)