Read Isaiah 9—12
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government
will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
We know that this prophecy refers to Christ because of the way it is
quoted in Matthew 4:15–16. But Isaiah looked beyond the first coming of Christ to His second coming.
Isaiah 9:6 declares both the humanity (“A child is born”) and the
deity (“A son is given”) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet then leaps
ahead to the kingdom age when Messiah will reign in righteousness and
justice from David’s throne. God had promised David that his dynasty
and throne would be established forever, and this promise is fulfilled in
Jesus Christ, who will one day reign from Jerusalem.
If His name is “Wonderful,” then there is nothing dull about
His reign! As “Counselor,” He has the wisdom to rule justly, and
as the “Mighty God,” He has the power to execute His wise plans.
“Everlasting Father” does not suggest that the Son is also the Father,
for each person in the Godhead is distinct. “Father of Eternity” is a
better translation. Among the Jews, the word father means “originator” or “source.” If we want anything eternal, we must get it from
Jesus Christ; He is the “Father of Eternity.”
Something to Ponder
Of the titles given the Messiah, which gives you most encouragement?
Why?