They are homonyms, words that sound alike but are spelled differently. You understand their meaning by the way I use them in these sentences. “No, Sheila, you can not hide those tacos, bagels, and chocolates under your bed to eat whenever you decide to do so.” “I know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.” The two homonyms are used in a popular Christian bumper sticker, and the saying is oftentimes found on Church marquees. It has also become the title of a short devotional book. It’s a Biblical truth—“No Jesus, no peace; Know Jesus, know peace.” Today is our final message in our series from Isaiah entitled “What’s in a Name.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Without Jesus there is no peace; those who know Jesus have peace.
In the 2000 comedy Miss Congeniality Sandra Bullock plays FBI agent Gracie Hart, who enters a beauty pageant undercover to catch a serial bomber. In the movie the wish of all the other contestants is “world peace.”
Addison Leitch, Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, died of cancer in 1973. Writing in the December 22, 1972, issue of Christianity Today, he made this affirmation: “Our trouble is we want the peace without the Prince.” That can never happen, for peace is rooted in the Person of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace; He alone is the giver of peace. What is the peace He gives?