INCREASING PEACE
09th Dec 2020
In a year when fear has dominated our world with the Covid pandemic, we come to probably a very unusual Christmas. However, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the prophecy of Isaiah declares the coming of the “Prince of Peace.”
Our son Daniel was preaching on this on Sunday in our Livecast service and after speaking about verse 6, which is very familiar to us all, then read Isaiah 9:7 which says, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”
The phrase “Increasing Peace” really struck me. When we have invited the “Prince of Peace” to come and live and reign in our lives, He not only fills us with the “peace that passes understanding” but we live with the promise of “increasing peace” as we continue to live every day with His life and power within us.
Everything that surrounds us is trying to rob us of peace, as we listen to the media and watch the daily saga unfolding on our television screens. The challenges of life are also trying to activate fear and anxiety within.
As Jesus was having his final conversation with His disciples he told them, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.” This had not really sunk in because immediately after the resurrection the disciples are behind locked doors full of fear and Jesus arrives with the words, “Peace be with you!” This happened twice, it seemed the disciples were slow learners.
Let’s not be too hard on them because, throughout the epistles Paul is constantly addressing the way fear can take hold, In his letter to the Philippians he says, “Do not be anxious about anything.” And when he writes to the believers in Colosse he instructs them, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (3:15)
We have this promise of “increasing peace” it is a gift and is supernatural. Invite the “Prince of Peace” to pour into your heart a special anointing of His Peace whatever you are facing in life at this moment.
by Charles Sibthorpe
