December 27
“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” Isaiah 9:6.
The writings of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah are really appreciated when you read them and meditate upon the many references to the promised Messiah and the Savior of the world. Because of these many references that find their fulfillment in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Isaiah is spoken of as being the Old Testament evangelist. He was the bearer of the Good News that was announced about 750 years later by the angel to the shepherds watching their flocks on the fields at Bethlehem, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” Luke 2:11.
Isaiah is also the prophet who foretold that Jesus would be called Immanuel, which means, “God with us!” He is God and Man in one Person. It was necessary for Him to be both God and Man in order to save us.
In the text quoted above, the promised Messiah is given a number of other significant titles and names. He is called Wonderful. In spirit, we stand with our eyes and mouths open in wonder as we behold the Babe lying in a manger. What a miracle! Of Him, the hymn writer said:
“We are rich, for He was poor; Is not this a wonder?
Therefore praise God evermore, Here on earth and yonder.”
He is called Counselor. He is our divine Counselor. He is the all-knowing Son of God. He counsels us in and through His Word as it is revealed to us in Holy Scripture, which has counsel for every situation in this life and for the life that is to come. Another hymn writer said:
“Jesus gives us true repentance, By His Spirit sent from heav’n;
Whispers this transporting sentence, ‘Son, thy sins are all forgiven.’
Faith He grants us to believe it, Grateful hearts His love to prize;
Want we wisdom? He must give it, Hearing ears and seeing eyes.”
He is called the Mighty God. He demonstrated this throughout His life on earth. Every miracle was proof that He is the almighty Son of God. By His almighty power, He conquered sin, death, and the devil. We have an almighty Savior!
He is called the Everlasting Father. He is the Father of everlastingness! He is the eternal Son of God, true God together with the eternal Father and the eternal Holy Spirit.
He is called the Prince of Peace. He paid the price for our redemption on Calvary’s cross, and with His holy precious blood He washed our sins away and He signed the peace treaty between God and man. The apostle Paul wrote, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1.
In the post-Christmas season, we will share the message of forgiveness and peace for all people and invite others to believe in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Dear God, move us to do this ever more faithfully. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.