Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Tap into the Prince of Peace
It’s interesting that after 2,000 years, Americans are still paying taxes and celebrating the birth of Christ in the same month. These two combined expenses may cause some people to tap into their savings account. When we tap into something, we then have access to resources and can establish a connection to make a “withdrawal” for whatever we need. I will often tap into my family and friends for information and opinions on situations that I know they have personal experience. It’s important and wise that we take
advantage of the benefits that have been made available to us.
God sent Jesus into the world to demonstrate His love, provide the perfect and only sacrifice for sin, and establish a new and better covenant with mankind. Isaiah prophesied in the Old Testament: “For a child will be born for us, a Son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 CSB).
The night when Jesus was born, the angel told the lowly shepherds to go and find the Babe. Born in a stable, the Prince of Peace was accessible to the public but nobody showed up but the shepherds. That Baby in the manger was a gift of truest love straight from the heavenly Father. Jesus grew up, increased in wisdom and stature, redeemed sinners, and fulfilled His mission as the Savior of the world. The Son of God continues to be available for all who will tap into Him for salvation and receive the abundant life.
Having spent 33 years in the everyday life of a world of broken people and systems, Jesus knew the importance of a deep peace that could only come from Him. “I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). Believers have been made more than conquerors through the blood of Jesus.
Sometimes people are looking for peace in all the wrong places. But when we find Jesus we find the Prince of Peace. “May the Lord Himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 GNT). When the bottom falls out of our world, we can rely on the Lord’s peace to get us through it.
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness” (Colossians 3:15 MSG). “Never underestimate the power of a seed of peace: the power of a kind word, a seed of apology, a phone call, an explanation” (Max
Lucado). The most important gifts are usually the ones that cost our pride. Perhaps you should consider offering the gift of peace to a broken relationship this Christmas. Mending fences isn’t easy, but it’s worth the humbling effort in order to have peace in your heart, mind, and soul.
As children of our heavenly Father, we oftentimes live beneath our privileges. Everything we need to handle life is found in Christ. Believers need to tap into Jesus for all He’s worth! We can experience a lasting peace that surpasses understanding through our relationship with Jesus. As our Savior and Lord, we have access to His divine peace every day.
The Key: Believers need to tap into the Prince of Peace; He never runs out of His Name.