The Prince of Peace

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace—a Savior whose authority would bring release from the burden of sin. Although we often search for peace in the wrong things—in financial security, relationships, or recreation—God is the only one who can bring us true peace.

The Hebrew word shalom is often translated “peace,” but its full meaning has a deeper richness to it. Shalom is a sense of completeness and soundness and living well. It implies safety, good health, prosperity, tranquility, and contentment. Shalom means favor, fulfillment, restoration, harmony, and reconciliation. God is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace.

Shalom meets the human heart’s deepest longings and is the greatest measure of contentment. True shalom cannot exist in a heart that is void of Jesus Christ. Shalom cannot exist in a heart that is divided between a love of God and a love of the world. There is no room for peace in a heart that is harboring anxiety, distrust, greed, anger, or bitterness.

The Messiah is referred to as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. Although the text translates to “prince,” the original meaning of the word embodies the power of the king. The prince here has the full authority, delegation, and dignity of the king. Only when the Prince of Peace rules in our hearts and minds can we have peace. Until we submit to His authority and power, our peace will be incomplete.

We can know eternal peace because Jesus Himself became our peace through His sacrifice (see Ephesians 2:14-18). When we allow Him to reign, peace begins to fill our homes, our workplaces, and our relationships. An inner assurance fills our hearts and our minds as we begin to trust in Him.

Are you experiencing shalom in your life? Or is there an area where you have not let Jesus reign? Confess to God the roadblocks you have placed that are preventing God’s all-encompassing peace from filling your heart. If you are unsure of what is creating discord in your heart, seek the Holy Spirit’s discernment to show you. Submit to the leadership of the Prince of Peace today.

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Prince of Peace, and I give up control to You today. Show me the areas where I have not allowed You to reign. Thank You for lifting my burdens and giving me rest in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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