The desire of every generation is world peace. Since the fall of man, there have been attempts, plans, and efforts to create lasting peace. There have been historic periods where there was reduced open hostility and conflict but not since Adam and Eve walked out of the garden has there been a moment of true lasting peace. The very first sin recorded in scripture after leaving the garden is murder.

It does not matter how strong your army is, or popular your government is, or wealthy your people are there will never be peace among men this side of heaven. But the news is worse than just the continued conflict between men. The Bible declares that our sin has made us enemies of God and under His righteous wrath. Man is not at peace with God.

The prophet Isaiah spoke to a rebellious and sinful people that there was coming a day when a child would be born – a son would be given that would cause the people who walk in darkness to see a great light and the people who are under the wrath of God to know peace through the Prince of peace.

God made a promise to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth through him. God added to this promise when He promised king David (a descendant of Abraham) that his kingdom would last forever with a descendant of his on the throne. These promises, and many more, were fulfilled in Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, a member of David’s family, and the lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

In these three verses, there are three promises that give us hope. These were words of hope for Juda for their restoration from captivity. And looking beyond the near horizon to what is beyond these are words of hope for all the world that there is salvation in Jesus.