VISITATION #7: JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
INTRO TO TOPIC:
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet utters the well-known phrase: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Here Shakespeare implies that the names of things do not matter; only what things are. However, the truth is that you can learn a lot about a person from their names and titles.”
• Examples: Jacob (deceiver), Israel (prince with God), Jesus (salvation), Peter (rock).
OPENING TEXT:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
What is peace? John 16:33: Greek Eirene = inner peace, peace with people, peace with God.
Inner peace - the tranquil state of a soul
Peace with people - harmony between individuals; national tranquility; exemption from war
Peace with God - the way that leads to peace (salvation)
BIBLE STORY: JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE:
1. JESUS IS IN OUR BOAT:
“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out.” (Luke 8:22).
• As Christians on the journey of life, it’s helpful to remember that Jesus is in our boat.
• The disciples were in this particular boat being obedient to the command of Jesus.
o Sometimes we think we only get into trouble when we’re being disobedient.
2. STORMS ARE INEVITABLE:
“But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.” (Luke 8:23).
• Mark adds, “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.” (Mark 4:37).
• “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
o We need to realize that storms will come – they are inevitable!
o However, if you have Jesus in your boat, you can have peace in those storms.
• What storm are you facing in your life?
o Relationship storm? (no peace in your relationships).
o Financial storm? Health storm? Emotional storm (no inner peace)?
o Whatever your storm, don’t forget who’s in the boat with you – Jesus!
• Where was Jesus in the storm? He was so at-peace that He was sleeping!
• Peter would later write: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Peter 4:12).
3. WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A STORM – GO TO JESUS:
“And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.” (Luke 8:24).
• “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). Don’t we normally say the same thing when trouble comes in our lives? “Lord, don’t you care about us?”
o Just because we’re in a storm doesn’t mean God doesn’t care about us.
• Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).
4. JESUS LOVES TO VISIT US IN OUR STORMS:
“But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:25).
• Jesus rebuked His disciples for not believing in Him.
o They had more faith (fear) in the storm then they did in Him!
• After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples had a new revelation of the Prince of Peace.
o Jesus will visit us in our storms and troubles, too!
• This is one of the reasons why we should meditate on the person of Jesus Christ.
o “Faith comes by hearing the Word.” (Romans 10:17).
o The more we know who He is, the more we will trust Him.
THE BIG IDEA: Jesus never promised us a life without storms. However, He did promise to be our peace in the midst of those storms.
HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE THE PRINCE OF PEACE?
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).
• How can we experience His peace in our lives?
1. DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING:
• Worry defined: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts.
“25 "So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. 28 "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 31 "So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. 34 "So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:25-34, NLT).
2. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING:
• What did the disciples do in their storm? They went to Jesus. This is wisdom!
• Peter writes: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
o If you give your cares to God, then who has them? Leave them with Him!
o Put a brown paper bag up by the top of your door frame and put all of your prayer requests (troubles and problems) in there. If you start worrying about the issue, remember where they are – with God – and stop worrying!
3. THANK GOD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE:
• We usually start to worry when we focus on our problems and not on God.
• Take the time to write out a Blessing List of all the good things God has done for you.
4. PURSUE PEACE IN ALL OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:
• God cares a lot about peace in our relationships – and it doesn’t happen by accident!
o Romans 14:19: “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace.”
o Heb. 12:14: “Pursue peace with all people.”
WHEN WE DO THESE THINGS, WHAT IS THE RESULT?
“If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NLT).
• Storms will come, but they don’t have to overcome you.
IT IS WELL:
Horatio Spafford, a 43-year-old Chicago businessman, suffered financial disaster in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He and his wife were still grieving over the death of their only son shortly before the fire. Spafford realized they needed to get away for a vacation. Knowing that their friend and well-known evangelist Dwight L. Moody was going to be in England that fall for a campaign, he decided to take the entire family to England. His wife Anna and his four daughters sailed ahead. Urgent business delayed him so he planned to follow shortly.
The ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel and sank in 12 minutes in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. His wife miraculously survived the accident, but their four daughters drowned in the tragedy. On reaching the European mainland, she cabled her husband with the sad message, "Saved alone."
Spafford then sailed to England, travelling over the location of his daughters’ deaths. On this journey, he wrote the words to the hymn: "It Is Well With My Soul." (www.christianity.ca).
IT IS WELL:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul),It is well, it is well with my soul.
ALTAR CALL FOR SALVATION: Jesus came to bring us peace with God.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).
