Moving Towards the Light; the Path to Peace

The Gift of Peace: Heaven’s Promise for Earth

Bible Passage: Isaiah 9:6-7, Philippians 4:6-7

In the late 19th century, two titans of invention faced off in a fierce and electrifying competition that would shape the modern world as it moved towards electrical lighting. On one side was Thomas Edison, the celebrated inventor of the light bulb, advocating for his direct current (DC) system. On the other was Nikola Tesla, a brilliant but eccentric Serbian-American inventor, championing alternating current (AC) with the backing of industrialist George Westinghouse. Their rivalry became known as the "Battle of the Currents."

Edison had already established a network of DC-powered electrical systems in New York City. He believed DC was safer and more reliable, but it had one glaring flaw: it couldn’t travel long distances without significant energy loss. To bring electricity to the masses, power plants would need to be built every mile or so—a costly and impractical solution.

Tesla’s AC system, however, could transmit electricity over great distances using transformers to step up and step down voltage. This efficiency threatened Edison’s investments, and he wasn’t about to concede without a fight.

Edison launched a fear campaign against AC, highlighting its dangers in gruesome public demonstrations. He financed the electrocution of animals, from stray dogs to an elephant, to show the supposed lethality of AC. To further tarnish its image, Edison’s team played a key role in the development of the electric chair, using AC to execute criminals. He hoped the association with death would make the public shun AC technology.

Despite Edison’s smear tactics, Tesla and Westinghouse pressed on. Their breakthrough moment came in 1893, when they won the contract to power the Chicago World’s Fair. Known as the Columbian Exposition, the event was a dazzling showcase of technology and innovation. Westinghouse used Tesla’s AC system to light up the fairgrounds, captivating millions of visitors with a stunning display of electric light. It was a monumental success and a clear demonstration of AC’s superiority.

The final blow to one of history’s greatest technological rivalries came at Niagara Falls, where Tesla’s AC technology was chosen over Edison’s DC to harness the immense power of the falls for generating electricity. When the Niagara Falls Power Plant began transmitting AC power to Buffalo, New York, in 1896, it proved once and for all that AC was the future of electricity.

Edison’s campaign had failed in one of history’s greatest technological rivalries. By the early 20th century, alternating current became the standard for electrical distribution worldwide. Ironically, even Edison’s company, which later became General Electric, adopted AC technology.

Today, the "Battle of the Currents" stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the triumph of science over fear. To the American Psyche the battle of the current continued to reinforce the idea that man can solve man’s problems, and science would give humanity the ability to create lasting peace in the world. Ironically, the industrial revolution created an increased demand for resources to fuel the modern world. This scramble for resources heightened tensions among European powers, creating rivalries that would ignite World War I and World War II. Advances in metallurgy, chemistry, and engineering enabled the mass production of weapons, from rifles to artillery. The mechanization of war reached new heights during World War I, with the introduction of tanks, machine guns, and chemical weapons, all products of industrial innovation. The gilded age during Thomas Edison’s life was the backdrop for a battle of currents with a choice between how electricity would light up the world, but it fell short of bringing about lasting peace. Lasting peace only comes through the prince of peace, who we read about in the book of Isaiah.

Summary: This sermon focuses on the theme of peace prophesied in Isaiah, celebrated at Christ’s birth, and ensured through faith, illustrating how Jesus embodies true peace for all the earth.

Big Idea: True peace on earth is found not in worldly efforts but in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who reconciles and restores all things.

1. Promise of Peace

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Ryrie’s Concise Guide to the Bible What Were the Times Like?

Assyria took the ten northern tribes captive in 722 B.C. King Ahaz, who reigned during this time in the southern kingdom of Judah, foolishly looked to Assyria for protection despite the fact that Isaiah had told him that Assyria would capture the northern tribes (8:3–4). Ahaz’s son, Hezekiah, instituted spiritual reforms in Judah but looked to Egypt for help in foreign affairs. Sennacherib of Assyria captured Egypt and would have taken Judah also except for God’s direct intervention (read the remarkable story in chapter 37). Hezekiah was succeeded by his son Manasseh, during whose reign idolatry was reinstituted. Isaiah warned of the coming Babylonian captivity for Judah as punishment; yet he also assured the people that they would be preserved and eventually restored to their land.

You could explore how Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who would establish an everlasting dominion characterized by justice and righteousness. The promise of His government suggests that true peace is rooted in His divine authority and eternal reign. Perhaps, this point will encourage believers to seek peace by aligning their lives under Christ's rule, understanding that worldly answers often fail where Christ’s peace endures forever.

2. Pathway to Peace

What path to peace have you chosen? Chaos is the only result without Sar Shalom, the prince of peace.

Philippians 4:4–7 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Perhaps, this point will emphasize how peace is maintained through a relationship with Jesus, characterized by prayer and gratitude, which leads to a peace that surpasses understanding. Discuss how this peace guards hearts and minds against anxiety and fear, suggesting that believers rely on Christ's presence in life's complexities. You might encourage the congregation to apply these principles daily, fostering inner tranquility regardless of external chaos.

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 7:2 ESV

2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

the pathway to peace is only through the person of peace!

3. The Person(Embodiment) of Peace

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:2 ESV

2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

4. Peace Through Prayer

Psalm 3:4–5 ESV

4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 3:4–5 ESV

4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

Peace comes through assurance of answered prayer

5. Pursue Peace Persistently

Romans 12:18 ESV

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

explore how Paul urges believers to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on them. Here, peace is shown to be an actionable pursuit, deeply rooted in self-awareness and humility. Encourage the congregation to be peacemakers by taking personal responsibility for seeking reconciliation and unity in their communities.

6. Proclaiming the Prince of Peace