Isaiah 9:6 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.

Matthew 10:34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

As I have read the Word over the years certain verses seem to provide a paradox in my mind. Such are the topic verses this morning. Centuries prior to the arrival of the Lord on this old earth, Isaiah prophesied of the Prince of Peace. Surely the Lord knew this passage, for He is the fulfillment of it, and yet He has the audacity to speak of bringing a sword. That peaks my interest.

It just didn’t make sense for me, and, as a paradox is wont to do, it took me outside of my usual way of thinking.

Let’s consider Isaiah, and his prophecy. Even within this prophecy, there is the paradox of God becoming a man, of the All-powerful being totally helpless, of the Creator being created.

But that will have to wait for the time being. I need to consider how Isaiah and Matthew relate to one another, and find an understanding (if possible) of the message each author provides.

As I said earlier, let’s start with Isaiah, as he provides one of the clearest prophecies of the Savior to come, of His birth (child and son) and of His office (head of government). Isaiah speaks of the responsibility of this Messiah for the oversight and guidance of the nation He rules over, as He will carry the burden of government leadership.

Now we must remember that to have a name ascribed to you is to identify your character in the Old Testament. It is much more than we in the western world consider when we name our children.

Names represent a person’s character, reputation and very existence. Consider Abraham (Father of many nations) or Nabal (fool). Names meant something in the Biblical world. Given that understanding, this Savior would be characterized by the following names

• Wonderful Counsellor
• Mighty God
• Everlasting Father
• Prince of Peace

Might these names relate to the type of government / Kingdom the Savior would provide. Would the King of this government not be characterized by wisdom (wonderful counsellor), power (Mighty God), non-decay (Everlasting Father) and of peace (Prince of Peace).

In His kingdom, being described by Isaiah, a governing principle is peace. To enter His kingdom is to accept the teachings of forgiveness, love, patience and specifically for this passage, a peace that is provided for the citizen. Of course as we are on the other side of the cross, we know of the peace He provides, an internal calm and settled rest that is available to any who follow this Prince, no matter the circumstances.

In summary, may I suggest that Isaiah is referring to a Kingdom / government the Savior would rule over that is characterized by peace, both internal and external.

But even as I type that, it seems those who refuse to enter this Kingdom are not under this gracious provision, and are not able to exercise, or even know of this peace, without knowing the Prince of Peace. These adherents of another king, that refuse the peace available, that are in an alternate kingdom during the Prince’s reign, know not of peace, and will fight against anything that threatens their worldview, unless of course they join the winning side!

As Jesus brought the greatest truths to the people, it seems obvious that those rejecting his teaching would become fully motivated to fight the message. To bring peace in a fallen world forces a reaction from those who know not peace, a reaction that is not peaceful.

Even in this situation, those under the Prince of Peace are not to respond in the similar manner as those outside of the Kingdom, hating those outside of the Kingdom, seeking their harm and causing distress. This bringing a sword is a result of peace being the character of the new Kingdom, as it has throughout history.

It has been exhibited since the day’s of Cain and Abel, for the very first family experienced this division!

Jesus brought the Kingdom, for the time was at hand. His Kingdom called all to enter in, but it became obvious some would reject, and by their rejection, would remain in the kingdom ruled by the absence of peace. They had no resources to understand or conquer over the peace within the new Kingdom, and as such would have to join or fight against it.

He brought a sword through the individual acceptance or rejection of His kingdom, even within the closest of relationships, for His kingdom demanded that those entering would be His citizens first and foremost, place their allegiance to the King of Kings and follow His ways.

Two kingdoms in conflict. yet one ruled by the Prince of Peace. The outfall would be the setting of a sword, even within a family.

I think I get it.

Thankfully, the Prince of Peace is still ruling, for He is the Everlasting Father, and the offer to enter this Kingdom governed by the Prince of Peace is still open for all.

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