Sunday, December 13, 2009

Third Week of Advent, Day One

Week 3 Day 1: Isaiah 9:6-7


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. 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. (ESV)


Isaiah gave this prophecy in a time of gloom and darkness for the people of Israel. As much as we might regard the Old Testament prophets as purveyors of hell and brimstone, every prophet in the Bible speaks of reconciliation, redemption and hope. God is far more patient than we deserve.
In this prophecy, Isaiah gives four unusual titles for a baby: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Jesus gives us exceptional counsel. While good Christian counselors are very helpful in facilitating healing, Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. He is Mighty God. His words and his works, then and now, demonstrate His power and might.


Jesus is the Everlasting Father. This is an odd title for a baby, and theologically, we refer to another member of the Trinity as the “Father.” Everlasting is an important word here. Jesus did not get His start at birth. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). He is eternal and has no beginning and no end. He is Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8).


Jesus is also the Father. I believe this refers to Jesus’ work in creation. “He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:2-3, ESV). Jesus, being God, is the Source of life and all created things.


He is the Prince of Peace. We can really get ourselves tied up in knots over the government. Human government will always fall short of what we need, because human beings are fallen. When the government is “upon His shoulder,” we will finally experience peace. But, between then and now, Jesus offers His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).


Who do you need Jesus to be for you today? Do you need the Wonderful Counselor to guide you? Do you need the Mighty God to help you overcome? Do you need the Everlasting Father to reassure you? Do you need the Prince of Peace to calm your anxious heart? He is with you today.


© Copyright 2009 Allen White

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, Wheaton: Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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