War Gives Way to Peace

4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
5 The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.

6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!

Have you heard the story of Gideon and the “day of Midian’s defeat”? God used his servant Gideon to defeat thousands of Midianites at the hands of a few hundred Israelites. Gideon’s men didn’t even have to fight! The Lord confused and terrified the enemies. They collapsed on their own and fled. (See Judges 7.)

Isaiah reminds us of that remarkable episode to show us that God’s kingdom is different from all human kingdoms. The kingdom of Immanuel does not need our weapons to expand into the world. Immanuel does not rely on military tactics to expand his reign. In fact, writes Isaiah, “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.” Why? Because of this king’s mode of operation. Immanuel conquers by giving himself. Yet in his self-giving he remains “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

All who are children of God grow to understand this mysterious dynamic of Christ’s kingdom. They know that the kingdom grows through sacrificial service modeled after Jesus himself. The power of unconditional love can defeat the worst of evils.

Today, can you identify one concrete way in which you have given of yourself? If so, you can look expectantly for your service to be blessed by Immanuel.

Father, how wonderful it is to know that we too belong to Jesus’ kingdom of peace. May I give of myself to help bring peace to the people around me today. In Jesus, Amen.