Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 9 verse 7, “His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace,” (NRSVB). The ninth chapter of the Book of Isaiah opens with a special verse of encouragement to those who have been suffering in times of exceptional turmoil and division in Israel. After the reign of David, his son, Solomon, became king and Israel entered into an era of peaceful reign. God assured King Solomon of a long and stable reign and a time of prosperity. The Kingdom of Israel, under King Solomon, became a glittering jewel in the Kingdoms of the Ancient Near East. God promised his peace to nations when they obeyed and respected him and followed his commandments. Despite King Solomon’s magnificent rule and his brilliant leadership and wisdom, in his later life, he fell away from God. He allowed idol worship in Israel. God was merciful, the peaceful reign and growth in stature and riches of Israel continued, despite their rebelliousness. After the death of King Solomon, the great nation of Israel was first ruled by King Solomon’s son Rehoboam, who was made king at a ceremony in Shechem. He would not listen to the advisors of his father and alienated the various tribes of Israel so that they rose up against the House of David, also called Judah, under the leadership of the exiled Jeroboam, who came back from Egypt when he heard that Solomon had died. God sent the prophet Shemaiah to Rehoboam instructing him not to engage Israel in civil war by declaring war against the tribes who rose up against Judah. Rehoboam listened to the Lord’s instruction. The priests of the tribe of Levi, and all those who sought after the Lord, came to support Rehoboam in Jerusalem, and did not follow Jeroboam. For three years Rehoboam established his kingdom in Jerusalem and became a strong leader. Then Shishak, the King of Egypt, invaded Jerusalem and plundered the Temple of the Lord. The mighty nation of Israel was divided into two Kingdoms, the Kingdom of Judah with two tribes, and the Kingdom of Israel with ten tribes. The prophets prophesied their messages of peace and of hope, against this backdrop of war and distrust, even amongst those who were of the same clan and nation. Isaiah’s message of hope states in Chapter Nine verse One, “But in the midst of judgment there is the promise and the certainty of the Lord’s deliverance and there shall be no gloom for her who was in anguish.” God will turn the despair of the people who were sitting in darkness in the land by the Galilee, beyond the Jordan, into a place where the nations will gather together again and see the peace of the Lord. There, by the Sea of Galilee, people came to listen to Jesus and received peace.
The history of Israel and Judah shows a continuous power struggle and wars, but the prophet of the Lord, the Messiah, will not wage wars, for his power and authority will rise above earthly powers. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, even Roman soldiers acknowledged the God of Israel. We are told in Acts Ten of an officer of the Italian Regiment, Cornelius, who feared God, and prayed continually to him, and had a home church in his house. While praying an angel appeared and told him to send messengers to the Apostle Peter, to come to his house to teach and bless the people. Through a dream Peter was told by the Lord that the Gentiles will come to receive this peace of the Lord. Peter went and preached to them. They received the Holy Spirit and were baptized, rejoicing in God’s grace bestowed on them. “You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all,” (NRSVB).
Father, we thank you that your gift of peace is for all those who believe in your grace, through the work of your Son, our Lord Jesus, on the Cross for us, Amen.