Peace
Read Ephesians 2:14-16.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Prince of peace is a term you’ve probably heard used often around this time of year. Maybe you’re familiar with it because of Isaiah 9:6 (which we read last week). Or perhaps you’ve heard it in as a lyric in one of your favorite Christmas songs, like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” But have you ever really stopped to consider what this term, this title for Jesus, really means? What is the role of the “Prince of Peace”?
Today’s reading told us that Jesus “himself is our peace” (v. 14). It also says that He would “create in himself one new man in the place of two, so making peace,” and that He would “reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (vv. 15-16). We’re getting closer, but you probably still have some questions about what, exactly, this means.
Though Christmas is the time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus, it’s important we don’t forget all that He came to earth to do after that moment. Jesus had a job to do—we’ve said it many times—He came to be our Savior. He came as a baby, yes, but then He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and went back to heaven. And in His death He did just what these verses in Ephesians explain: He tore down the dividing wall of hostility between God and people. He died for our sins so that we would be fully, freely, and forever forgiven—so that we could be reconciled to God and enjoy all that there is in relationship with Him.
This “Prince” didn’t come to live a life of luxury or ease. He wasn’t waiting in line, hoping He’d one day get to take His place on the throne. He knew His job and He knew how it would end. He came with a mission—a battle—in mind, and He accomplished it. Through His death and resurrection, He waged war against sin and He was victorious. That is our Prince of peace.
[Matt Chandler (2021). (p. 33). Family Advent Devotional - Bible Study eBook. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]