Isaiah 9:6
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.
Continuing our meditations on the First Advent (Coming) of Christ, today we home in on verse 6 from the longer passage we read yesterday. Let us be blessed and empowered by the four traits of the prophesied Messiah (Jesus) cited in this verse.
First, the royal Messiah would be called Wonderful Counsellor. Did you know that having Jesus in your life is having the greatest mentor, advisor, guide, comforter, coach, and confidant (to name a few qualities) available 24/7? Through the in-dwelling Holy Spirit, that promise becomes real in our lives, if we believe and embrace it. DO you believe?
Second, the promised Messiah is also called Mighty God. That means our Redeemer is not just “a Son”. He is identical to El Shaddai, our almighty, omnipotent, God with whom nothing shall be impossible. Do you believe?
Third, the Messiah would also be called Everlasting Father. What sort of “Son” would not only be ‘Mighty God’ but also ‘Everlasting Father’? Only Jesus—God the Son, equal with the Heavenly Father, and therefore equally eternal. That’s why Jesus never hesitated to say, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Do you believe and receive that?
Fourth, the promised Messiah would be called Prince of Peace. This is quite different from the way ancient rulers were viewed. So-called great rulers were feared and respected because they were valiant warriors and shrewd military strategists—like King David, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, et cetera. You see, anybody can create chaos and conflict. Anyone can cause trouble. It’s easy to sow seeds of division. But it takes extraordinary skill, power, and influence to create peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Praise the Lord, Jesus’ greatness is in His ability to rule in peace, lead in love, and calm the raging seas in every human heart, home, and the world! If we ever needed the Prince of Peace, we need Him now desperately. Which soul, family, country, or church doesn’t need the Prince of Peace today? Oh, let the Prince of Peace reign among and within us today like never before. Do you believe and welcome that? I do.
Pastor Josh