The Prince of Wholeness

Scripture:

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (TM) For a child has been born--for us! the gift of a son--for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

Observation:

This child, who would become their deliverer, is the Messiah, Jesus. Matthew quotes these verses in describing Christ's ministry (Mathew4:15-16). The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern kingdom as a whole. These were also the territories where Jesus grew up and often ministered; this is why they would see "a great light.

In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God." This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal Kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." The first clause speaks of His humanity, the second of His deity.

the government will be upon His shoulder — He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. The rest of the verse describes His personal glories:

His name will be called Wonderful — this name is a noun, not an adjective, and speaks of His Person and work.

Counselor — His wisdom in government.

Mighty God — the omnipotent, supreme Ruler.

Everlasting Father — or better, the Father (or "Source") of eternity. Eternal Himself, He confers eternal life on those who believe in Him. Vine comments: "There is a twofold revelation in this: (1) He inhabits and possesses eternity (Isaiah 57:15); (2) He is loving, tender, compassionate, an all wise Instructor, Trainer, and Provider."

Prince of Peace (Sar-Shãlôm) — the One who will at last bring peace to this troubled world.

Application:

One of the names of Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom and means "completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, health, contentment.

Shalom is a very important term in the Old Testament and has maintained its place in Mishnaic, rabbinic, and modern Hebrew. In Israel today, people greet the newcomer and each other with the words mah shlomka, ("what is your peace," "how are you doing,") and they ask about the "peace" ("well-being") of one's family.

I have been fascinated as I have read about the word "Peace" used in our text. Especially with one word that is associated over and over again... wholeness. There are so many of God's children who are broken, shattered and scattered. So many who are discouraged, in desapair and despression. Even more who are lost with seemingly no purpose, but plenty of pain.

Friends, one of Jesus' names is "Prince of WHOLENESS". He desires to bring healing to your emotions. He truly restores our soul as the good Shepherd.

I can't tell you the times when I felt so broken, devastated, helpless, with my back up against the wall, and wondering what I would do. I would sense such darkness around me, and with it all of the things that accompany spiritual darkness.

I would always go back to Isaiah 9:2 "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them as light shined."

Jesus wants to bring us out of the land of deep darkness. This "land" of deep darkness is a place where some folk have hung out for some time. But today, the Prince of Peace, and Wholeness, wants to shine His light upon you to bring you into the Light and to bring completeness into your life, relationships, emotions, and relationship with God. How do you do that? Let me give you an acrostic of P.E.A.C.E.

Pray to your living, caring God daily

Express your darkness to Him

Accept His loving rebuke and correction

Carry His Word in your heart (daily have a Word that you are dwelling on)

Enjoy life again! (Let your heart be filled with thanksgiving)

Prayer:

"Thank you Lord, that You are the Prince of Peace. The Prince of Wholeness. You want to bring healing, completeness, joy, and purpose back into Your children's life. I know there are some reading this blog today that desperately need Your peace. I ask You to saturate with a gift of peace as they read and pray through this article today. In Jesus' name, amen!"