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. (Isaiah 9:6)
It’s pretty amazing to think about the prophecies made by Isaiah regarding the birth and life of Christ long before He came to earth. Especially as we draw nearer to Christmas, it’s good to reflect on some of these titles.
Wonderful Counselor – Since he is all-wise, Jesus rules justly and fully employs God’s plans.
Mighty God – Many attempts have been made to say that Jesus was no more than Man 2.0… that he was simply man at man’s finest. Whereas he did come in the form of a perfect man, he also came as God, full of power. Jesus wasn’t simply God-like, he was and is God.
Everlasting Father – Jesus is not God the Father. The idea of father here is one who rules perfectly over a people whom he loves just as a father loves his children.
Prince of Peace – Every king comes to bring peace to those he rules over, and Jesus is no exception. He will bring an everlasting peace to those who are a part of his kingdom.
These words by Isaiah are hardly the words used to describe an infant. It’s easy to see why Israel was so excited for the birth of this King, for even today the prospect of such a person gives us reason to rejoice. But instead of expecting a suffering servant, they were expecting a political ruler – someone who would take down Rome and revive Israel. Jesus came to earth not to make a political move or to prove a point, but to ransom His life for the world and to make a difference.
As we approach Christmas, is your heart prepared to receive this Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace?
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of the birth of Christ. Thank You that You saw our need so very long ago, and You made a provision for it by sending Your son. Let us be willing to receive Him this Christmas. Let us make time to still our hearts before You, to recognize this amazing birth. Let us surrender to You so we might be made new.
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