Thursday: The Prince of Peace
Daily Lesson for Thursday 30th of October 2025
How do the following texts describe the future that God had envisioned for His people? Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:1-5, Isaiah 60:17, Hosea 2:18, Micah 4:3.
Although the main focus of this week’s lesson has constituted the divinely commanded and assisted wars of the Old Testament, we need to mention the presence of another equally significant theme of the Old Testament’s prophetic writings: the future vision of the peaceful Messianic era. The Messiah is depicted as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He will usher in a kingdom dominated by peace, where the lion and the lamb will graze together (Isaiah 11:1-8), in which there will be no destruction or hurt (Isaiah 11:9), and where peace will rule (Isaiah 60:17) and flow like a river (Isaiah 66:12).
Read 2 Kings 6:16-23. What insights does this story provide into the deeper purposes of God for His people and humanity?
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
Consider the story of the feeding of the Syrian army at the initiative of Elisha. Instead of massacring them (2 Kings 6:22), he showcased to them the supreme ideal, peace, which has always been God’s desire for His people. It is interesting to observe that Elisha fully is aware of the superiority of the invisible army that surrounds the enemy (2 Kings 6:17). As much as God is involved in a cosmic conflict that also has affected our planet, the final goal of redemption is not a perpetual conflict or even an eternal subjugation of the enemy in a state of slavery but, instead, everlasting peace. As violence breeds violence (Matthew 26:52), peace engenders peace. The story concludes by stating that the “Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel” (2 Kings 6:23, ESV).
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Think about all the ways we can, by seeking to emulate Jesus, be agents of peace. What about your own life right now? In what ways, in whatever conflict you might be facing, could you be an agent of peace instead of conflict? |
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I dont know why, - I might be wrong - but I feel like today's study is a distant shot away from the study of the week "God fights for you". It almost feels like it's apologetic to the events covered from last week, through this week's study until Wednesday. Much has been said about the judgment and carnage that befell the inhabitants of Canaan; we've given reasons, but let's look closer. Within God's instructions for the occupation of Canaan, there's a notable emphasis on peace and liberation. For instance, Deuteronomy 20:10-11 instructs, "When you approach a city to fight against it, then proclaim an offer of peace to it. ....." God allowed room for peaceful surrender, and the captives would be treated humanely. Yes! They would have to destroy their "high places" and wicked practices, but they would also enjoy rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10) and the peace that came with it.
The Gibeonites' story is a beautiful example of God's mercy and peace in the midst of war. We might miss this beauty as we ponder the desolation of divine war, overlooking the mercy, justice, and peaceful elements God provides. God tells us about peace within mayhem. At Gethsemane, Jesus chose peace and healing instead of violence (Matthew 26:51-54, Luke 22:49-51) - as he restored the slashed ear of the Centurion guard. At the cross, He offered paradise to the thief and took condemnation for others (Luke 23:39-43) - replacing Barabbas at the middle cross. Barabbas gained liberty and peace, while Jesus took the suffering in his stead (and ours too by extension). As God fulfills His promise to Israel, He presents them with lasting peace in Canaan, in exchange for their obedience to His laws and statutes (Leviticus 26:6, Joshua 21:44). The Prince of Peace himself said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Like Habakkuk, we might struggle to balance God's justice and peace. Let's learn to appreciate God's awesomeness, as Habakkuk did.
"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:14).
Today's topic, "Prince of Peace" comes with a caveat found in the New Testament:
Most of us think of peace as something that happens when the shooting and bombing stops, but clearly Jesus is talking about something else here. What does he mean, and why is it relevant to this weeks lesson?
In our modern world, hardly a year goes by without war, death and destruction. World Wars I and II were both touted as wars to end all wars. Eighty years later, we are still fighting, and tens of thousands of people are killed by them every year. If Jesus is talking about personal peace, what does than mean in practice and how can we share it?
When Jesus spoke of peace, He wasn’t referring merely to the absence of conflict not just when “the shooting and bombing stop.” The peace He offers is an inner, spiritual peace that flows from being reconciled with God.
Peace with God.Through forgiveness and restored relationship (Romans 5:1). This is the foundation of all true peace.
Peace within ourselves: Freedom from guilt, fear, and anxiety because we trust in His love and sovereignty (John 14:27).
Peace with others. The ability to forgive, love, and live without hatred or revenge, even in a world full of strife (Matthew 5:9).
God’s actions even the difficult ones in history, like the Canaanite wars were ultimately aimed at establishing lasting peace by eradicating evil and preparing the way for Christ, the Prince of Peace.
To “see with spiritual eyes” means understanding that God’s goal has never been endless warfare or destruction, but the final restoration of peace and harmony in His kingdom.
So, Jesus’ peace is not political or temporary—it is transformational and eternal. It begins in the heart and spreads outward through those who live by His Spirit
Maurice - you ask: "If Jesus is talking about personal peace, what does that mean in practice and how can we share it? Instead of using my own words, I prefer to use the Words of Scripture to answer your question:
Luke 2:11 - ”But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”
Luke 2:13-14 - ”And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men [of good will] on whom His favor rests!”
Phil.4:1-9 v.8-9 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about [and do] such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you."
The New Testament containing the Gospel according to Jesus Christ was not yet written, but all the apostles conveyed the essence of the Gospel of Peace - loving kindness in all its forms.
Being - having our life in Christ Jesus - and having received the gift of God, His Holy Spirit, we are called upon to express His fruit – Gal.5:22-23; Eph.2:10.
When we look at Jesus’ life, we see that He was constantly seeking peace — not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of reconciliation, compassion, and truth. He brought peace by forgiving, by speaking gently even when wronged, by showing mercy to those who didn’t deserve it, and by loving unconditionally.
To “be an agent of peace” in our own lives means living out those same principles in the spaces where tension, misunderstanding, or hurt exist. For example:
Listening before reacting: When emotions run high, choosing to truly listen rather than defend yourself right away can open the door to understanding.
Forgiving quickly: Holding on to resentment fuels division. Letting go — even when it’s hard — mirrors Christ’s grace.
Speaking truth with kindness: Jesus didn’t ignore wrongs, but He addressed them in a way that invited healing, not shame.
Praying for those involved: Prayer helps reframe your heart, softens bitterness, and invites God’s peace into the situation.
Choosing humility over pride: Sometimes peace requires being willing to take the first step toward reconciliation, even if you weren’t “the one at fault.”
In a world filled with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, people everywhere are searching for peace. They long for rest in the midst of busyness, for calm in the face of chaos, and for security in a time of fear. Yet, despite all their searching, many never truly find it, because real peace is not found in circumstances, but in a person: the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6). Two artists once set out to paint a picture that would perfectly capture this idea of peace.
The first painted a calm, glassy lake reflecting the soft colors of the sky, where a young boy sat quietly in a boat, enjoying a carefree afternoon. There was no wind, no sound, no disturbance just absolute stillness. It was beautiful, serene, and undisturbed. Many would look at this scene and think, “Yes, that’s peace.” But while this painting portrayed the absence of conflict, it lacked the depth of what true peace—shalom really means. As Isaiah wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26:3). True peace is not merely the stillness of circumstances, but the steadiness of the soul anchored in trust.
The second artist, however, took a different approach. He painted a mighty waterfall crashing down over jagged rocks, its spray filling the air with thunderous power. Yet, above the torrent, on a branch stretching over the swirling water, sat a small bird resting peacefully on her nest. Despite the chaos surrounding her, she remained calm and unshaken. That is the peace Jesus promised when He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). This is the peace of Christ, the kind that remains firm amid life’s storms. It is not the absence of turmoil, but the presence of divine tranquility in the midst of it.
Mercy Instead of Revenge
“Do not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” ( 2 Kings 6:22).
Elisha could have used divine power to annihilate the Arameans. Blindness could easily have led the Syrian army to the slaughter. However, he chose to use the power to invite peace. Mercy and kindness can be great instruments to bring peace in the world today. Feeding the enemy, disarmed them and brought peace at a very reasonable cost. Mercy and kindness can be very redemptive indeed in the world today which is skewed towards revenge. Just imagine if each one of us lived this story!
a) In family conflicts - Instead of striking back with words, what if we “set a table”- responding with calmness and kindness? How sweet would our families be?
b) In social divisions - What if we treated those who oppose us politically, culturally, or ideologically not as enemies to defeat but as humans to feed with respect, mercy, and compassion?
c) In global terms - What if nations invested as much energy into reconciliation and shared meals as they do into weapons and retribution? What a miraculous difference will it make?
True victory is not defeating and annihilating our “enemies” but winning them over through power of love, mercy and kindness.
“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV)
When we “see with spiritual eyes,” we understand that,
The Canaanite wars were temporary acts of judgment, not a model for human violence.
God’s ultimate purpose was always peace, purity, and redemption.
In Christ, we are called to fight spiritual battles not by destroying people, but by winning hearts through the power of love and truth.
So, as Elisha once opened his servant’s eyes to see the heavenly army, we too must let the Spirit open our eyes to see that God’s ways, even when severe, aim toward peace.
The battles of the Old Testament were fought to prepare the way for the PRINCE OF PEACE,
who conquers not by the sword, but by the cross.
In practice, this peace means a calm and steadfast heart grounded in faith, trust, and hope in God, even when the world feels unstable. It’s the assurance that no matter what happens around us, we are secure in God’s love and promises. This peace does not depend on circumstances but on relationship—knowing Christ personally and letting His Spirit rule within us.
We share this peace by living it. When others see a quiet strength and compassion in us during difficult times, they’re drawn to the source of that peace. We share it through kindness, forgiveness, patience, and by being a presence of calm in a fearful or angry world. In doing so, we become reflections of Christ’s peace—reminding others that while wars may continue, inner peace through Him is always available.
Being an agent of peace changes the whole perspective on a conflict. Yes, we sometimes need to take swift, decisive action, but we also need to remember that God's blessing brings victory. Being an agent of peace may strengthen our patience and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.
It seems that the whole world is in a state of unrest, lacking of not just physical peace, but emotional and spiritual peace. The inner peace that calms our inner restlessness, is not an accomplishment, or a destination. Rather, it is a person, Jesus Christ the Lord. The "Prince of Peace" has come into the world to give us peace with God as well as peace beyond our situations and circumstances. The world says that you can have peace when you have more than enough money. Sadly, many of the wealthiest people may only have a fascade of peace and happiness. Money can buy many things but it can't buy peace or happiness. The world says that you can have peace when you have good health. Yet many people are fearful of losing their health and have no peace. Worry is like a rocking chair, it takes you back and forth but gets you nowhere.
We have all been created with a God shaped vacuum in our hearts. We can try to fill that void with the stuff of life and yet come to agreement with Solomon, that everything is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1) Or, we can come to the conclusion of Augustine of Hippo, when he stated;"You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." Until then we will continue chasing after rainbows to no avail.
When the Prince of Peace takes up residence in the heart then we experience an unshakeable peace, purpose and presence, which is not dependent upon our circumstances and situations but is constant in spite of them. This, I believe is what all the world longs for yet so many keep looking for it in all the wrong places. We need to be still and know that He is God, not we ourselves. Herein is found a peace that passes all understanding.
Sorry I just want to ask a little question, how can we act like a prince of peace to our enemy who wants to kill us in all means?