This year there has been so much talk of enemies, especially in terms of nation against nation, or political enemies; party, politicians, and even communities. On every side of the political, cultural, and societal spectrums, there are those we align with and those we align against.
We are constantly being asked to identify our enemies.
We are constantly being asked to identify our enemies and stand up against them. There has been increased talk about hating enemies, about fighting, about defending against, and defeating enemies.
These are all very human reactions towards those we might feel threatened by or at risk from. But human nature doesn’t seem to be helping us; in fact I’d suggest these very human reactions are contributing to ever worsening outcomes for our relationships and our society.
So rather than continue with the typical response, when I find myself in these kinds of moments I try to practice taking a step back and coming still and quiet to scripture; to re-orientate myself back towards what God’s word has to say rather than the voices around me or my own perspective or circumstance.
We are currently in the season of Advent, when we often dwell in key passages of scripture relating to the person, character and coming of Jesus. We read in Isaiah 9:6 the names of the Messiah: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.
When the Bible speaks of the names of God, typically what is being written about is his attributes, his character. Isaiah 9:6 tells us this is what Jesus will be called, because this is who he is; this is what He is like.
Jesus will “come down to make your name known to your enemies”.
But there is another key Advent verse. Isaiah 64:1–9 speaks about the nature of the Messiah’s coming, and specifically in verse 2 Isaiah prophesies that Jesus will “come down to make your name known to your enemies”.
In other words, Jesus’ nature of “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” will be how His enemies encounter him. Isaiah is foretelling that God, through Jesus, will tell his enemies that his essence is bent towards reconciliation, restoration and peace.
To His enemies he offers reassurance that he is with them. To his enemies he promises comfort and counsel. To his enemies he extends the hand of friendship and hope.
What would it look like for us this Advent to make Jesus’ name—His nature and His character—known to our enemies? What would it look like for those with whom we have deep disagreements with to encounter the reconciling message of the gospel?
Consider praying peace, reconciliation and even wonder for that person or over that situation.
Are there events, speeches, political leaders, community situations that you are worried or concerned about? Why not consider praying peace, reconciliation and even wonder for that person or over that situation? Are there people you are not at peace with? What would it look like for the Prince of Peace to be made known in that relationship?
This Advent, I don’t want to treat my enemies the way the world does. I don’t want to live in a place of fear or hate. Instead, I want to remember the Messiah, the One who came in peace and will return in glory, who comes to offer friendship and reconciliation to a divided world.
Instead, I pray my enemies to know the hope, promise and freedom that rests on the name of Jesus this Advent, and His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Originally published by Being Human. Republished with permission.
Jo Frost is director of communications and engagement, Evangelical Alliance of the United Kingdom, leading the communications, membership and mission teams, as well as co-directing the Being Human project with Peter Lynas. She previously worked with a number of Christian charities. With a Master’s degree in Public Communications, she has a background in international human rights and environment campaigning. Jo has also been involved in church leadership for over 20 years, serving on leadership teams as well as helping planting churches in London and in France. She teaches, writes and preaches regularly on communications, culture, whole-life discipleship, mission and leadership.
The Evangelical Alliance in the United Kingdom is made up of hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals, joined together for the sake of the gospel. Representing our members since 1846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in the UK. United in mission and voice, we exist to serve and strengthen the work of the church in our communities and throughout society. Highlighting the significant opportunities and challenges facing the church today, we work together to resource Christians so that they are able to act upon their faith in Jesus, to speak up for the gospel, justice and freedom in their areas of influence.
