“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”
What descriptions of Jesus are repeated in this famous verse?
It struck me recently at Bible Study that “government” and “peace” are so important to who Jesus is. They are the only 2 concepts repeated here.
For the Jews throughout their history, this concept of a Messiah ruling with peace is their hope and future. In fact, when they read this passage, they probably jump on those words much more than we Gentiles would. Does it mean anything for us?
I like the word “increase” – of the increase of his government and peace. It means there is more and more of it. Perhaps it’s not an instantaneous event in time. Perhaps it is still growing and being put into effect, even today. Perhaps the increase of Jesus’ rulership and peace is happening inside each believer, and spreading as we tell of others about this Prince of Peace.
Perhaps when I do not have peace within me, it is because He is not the governing body of my life. It is amazing to think that what I experience in my life in Christ is not static and it’s not all there is. Thinking back, I can attest to the fact that I am experiencing more of God’s peace than I did when I was younger and less mature. I did worry more, more agitated about things, more concern with the materialistic. The peace in my life has increased.
While I still worry these days, it is great to know that there is no end to the peace I can experience, both within and without, as Jesus’ dominion continue to increase in my life and in the world.
“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”