Prince

 Im writing this on the day that Harry and Megan have released their Netflix documentary.  And it's got me thinking about Princes.

At this time of year we usually think about Jesus as being the Prince of Peace. But in Revelation 1:5 He is called ' the prince of the kings of the earth'.   The sense of this phrase in the Greek is that Jesus is the overarching ruler of all the authorities and governments of earth.  In the 1st century the Roman rulers were called ' princeps'  meaning ' one who takes the first position.'  So rather than thinking of a Prince as being someone of lower rank than a King, or a King-in-waiting, it is more accurate to see the title as being pretty similar to that of King.



Here in the UK our Princes have been in the press of late - mostly not for great reasons.  I've been thinking about what makes Jesus a Prince above all princes and have made the following comparisons.

Prince Andrew - made friends with sinners and was corrupted by the company he kept

Prince Jesus - made friends with sinners and transformed them by His presence, teaching and love.

Prince Charles - was unable to lay down and surrender the woman he loved , thereby causing endless heartache to himself and many others

Prince Jesus - surrendered heaven, divinity and His life to bring heart-healing to the whole world

Prince Harry - motivated by deep hurt and fear opted to leave his family and align himself solely with his bride

Prince Jesus - motivated by love, opted to forgive those who persecuted Him and die for His bride in order to bring her into His family

Prince Philip - was known for being outspoken and tactless - sometimes voicing opinions which did not reflect the views of the Queen

Prince Jesus - only said and did what He saw the Father doing and saying.

Prince William - from what I can see seems to be following in his grandmother's footsteps and is learning how to be a King whilst serving the current monarch with integrity and grace.

Prince Jesus - didnt need to ' learn' how to be a King because He has been one since the foundations of the earth, but His incarnation did, in some senses, apprentice Him into the ways of being fully human.  Because of this we can trust that His eternal reign will not only be holy and awesome, but understanding and kind.  

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb 4;15

Princes usually have principalities.  William is Prince of Wales as was his father before him.  Jesus is Prince of Peace.  The kingdom of peace looks to Jesus as its sovereign.  Jesus speaks the language of peace knows the habits and customs and ways of peace and is an ambassador for peace wherever He goes.  His flag is peace.  His borders are peaceful, His laws are safe and secure.   If God speaks Jesus, Jesus speaks Peace.

May we all know Prince Jesus better, love Him more and dwell in His house of peace more in the coming year.

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