Devotions this week are based on Week 4 of “He Shall Be Called: Prince of Peace” (CLICK HERE)
Since the November election, we have heard about Tom Homan, President-elect Trump’s pick to be the “Border Czar.” By news reports and his statements, he is tasked to serve at the behest of the President to secure the borders of the United States and seek to deport those that are in the country illegally.
Until recently, the only time I had heard the term “Czar” used was in a Russian history class in college. The term “Czar” was referred to the head of state as “president” is in the United States.
So what is a “czar”?
Merriam Webster’s online dictionary gives two definitions: 1) Emperor – the ruler of Russia until the 1917 revolution and 2) one having great power or authority.
Curious as to how America adopted the term “czar,” Google provided vague blogs about the use of the term for White House officials that served at the request of the president but did not have official appointments or authority as did Senate approved Cabinet positions.
Bottom line, these are people the President wants to focus on one area of the country’s business and provide leadership, direction and change to make that area better. Whatever they are “czar” of, they are to focus on and ensure the policy and legislation move toward the better end.
Aren’t we talking about the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6? Yes. Yes we are.
Here’s the irony.
Isaiah uses the phrase, “Czar of Shalom” for this last descriptive name of the child given to us: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
So why is Jesus called the “Czar of Shalom?” (The Hebrew language often translates “czar” as “prince” – one who serves at the favor of the king.)
He is the one appointed by God the Father to take care of and ensure that peace is established and maintained between God and man. Peace is what he is going to be taking care of in the “government” that is on his shoulders.
A “czar’s” success is measured by the results. If we look at the end reality of Jesus’ work as “Czar of Shalom” we’d say, he did an outstanding job:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
If the ultimate goal of the Prince of Peace is to bring peace between you and God, there is no question that he carried out his duties to perfection!
Apply: What other things or persons do you sometimes try to make the “Czar of Shalom” in your life? How is that working?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth to be the Czar of Shalom, the Prince of Peace. This Christmas week, may the peace you have secured be a reality in my heart. AMEN.