Dave’s Monday Blast – December 19, 2022
Recently one of our elders shared with me a devotional from BSF entitled And He Will Be Called. It is a study on the names of our Savior. It is based on that iconic passage from Isaiah 9:6-7. “For unto 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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Let’s break it down:
1. The Government will be on His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6a). We find in Jesus someone who stands tall under the weight of the world. He is able to carry the loads of sin, sorrow, and suffering that threaten to crush us. Nothing is beneath His tender care and no weight can weigh Him down.
2. Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6b). We find in Jesus a counselor whose wisdom is beyond our comprehension. It is divine, eternal, limitless. His counsel offers more than helpful guidance, it holds the power to truly transform.
3. Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6b). We find in Jesus not just an infant God in the flesh. We find in Him, the same God who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, healed the sick and raised the dead. We find in Him the same God who conquered Satan, sin, and death on the cross.
4. Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6b). We find in Jesus the key to a personal relationship with God the Father. His love for us is deeper than a king to a subject. We find a unique bond of a father to a child; a father whose love is everlasting, one who protects, cares, corrects, counsels, and comforts.
5. Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b). In Jesus we find the one whose sole mission and heart for His people is crystal clear. He is the King who bears the weight of our burdens, extends wisdom, exudes strength, and compassionately protects His people. Humankind is desperately seeking peace in a world overcome with the chaos of sin (John 14:27) and it finds it in Jesus.
This King will reign over an everlasting Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7); “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Separately, each element of Jesus’ character is worthy of praise. Collectively, they astonish. The greatest earthly leaders pale in comparison with the King described by Isaiah. Our King!
I love the doxology found at the end of Jude verses 24 & 25. I encourage you to read it through and meditate upon its truths.
