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. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
We hear these words read and sung every December. It’s a promise the Lord made to Israel as they were about to enter into a long period of darkness, judgment for their long history of unfaithfulness. It’s the promise of a future anointed King whose arrival would be like dawn bursting into that darkness and whose kingdom would have no end. What will this King above all kings be like? He’s described with four extraordinary titles.
Wonderful Counselor points to the EXTRAORDINARY WISDOM of Jesus — amazing news for those who need guidance. He alone has the words of life. He alone has God’s best plan, the answers to life’s ultimate questions, the answers to our greatest “whys.”
Mighty God points to the SOVEREIGN POWER of Jesus. He will be divinely strong and powerful to accomplish all of God’s perfect plan — amazing news for those who are weak.
Everlasting Father points to the LOVING REIGN of Jesus. He will be the Good King who cares for his people forever like a father cares for his children — amazing news for those who are alone and unappreciated.
Prince of Peace points to the PEACEMAKING MISSION of Jesus. He will bring deep well-being and right relationships — amazing news for all of us who lack peace with God and with one another.
Fred Sanders will be preaching on the first of these titles this Sunday, Wonderful Counselor. Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare?
And let’s ask the Lord to refresh our wonder and worship of Jesus together as we enter into this Advent season. See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Matt Maher
Rejoice! Again I say, “Rejoice!”
For unto us is born the Savior of the world
Take heart! Oh, weary soul, take heart!
For help is on its way and holy is His name