Jesus: Prince and Savior

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desire” (2 Peter 1:3–4 NIV). Father God, Your very Word tells me that you have given me divine power to live this life as You want me to; to escape evil desires and to experience godly living. Please help me to draw strength from Your power and to practice moral discipline. Help me to work at knowing You better, developing perseverance, doing Your will, and loving others. And may You get the glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31 NKJV). After being released from prison, Peter told the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the Prince of Salvation and the Savior of Israel. Peter understood his audience—the Jewish leaders—who were still looking for Messiah. They had rejected Jesus. So Peter called Jesus a Prince. A prince is one scheduled to be king, but he is not yet ruling on the throne. That’s a true picture of Jesus, He is not yet ruling on the throne of Israel. When Jesus returns to earth in power and glory, He will be called King of Kings, and He will rule on David’s throne. When Jesus first came to earth, He offered a kingdom of inward peace and inner righteousness. Jesus knew the way to influence nations was to rule the hearts of individuals. Is Jesus your King? Jesus, You are my King and You rule my heart. I know one day You will rule the outward affairs of all people. Savior is the second title used by Peter to describe Jesus. By calling Jesus Savior, Peter was pointing the Jewish leaders back to the accomplishments of the Cross. In His death, Jesus became the Savior of the world (John 4:42). So in this quick description of Jesus, Peter gives the Jewish leaders a backward and a forward look. In the past, Jesus is Savior; in the future Jesus the Prince will become the King of Israel. Jesus, I praise You for past salvation, and I worship You as the coming King of All Kings. Amen. Go Deeper: Zechariah 14:1-9 Jesus is the Savior and coming King. Tomorrow: The Holy Spirit has the Power to Transform You  365 Ways to Know God © 2004 Elmer L. Towns