Names of the Messiah

​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.”
 
As yesterday multitudes celebrated the birth of the LORD Jesus, today let us look upon the One who was born. In the promise of the Messiah found within this great verse we look upon today are four declared titles of the King of kings. This Child born, this Son given, is none other than the LORD Jesus, taking the form of a man and being born into this world to take away the sins of all who will believe on Him. These names of the Messiah give us a rich understanding of the One who will take upon Himself the government of all the earth. And, my dear friends, let us rejoice as we consider these names, for the world has never seen a government ruled by one who is so complete as we shall see in Jesus.
 
The first name we encounter is a moniker that tells us that Jesus is the wonderful counselor. Our text clearly states, “and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor.” All of us have friends and family who strive to give us advice, hoping that they can help us navigate life’s varied complications. They will base it off their own wisdom or experience. Yet the wisdom of Jesus is far beyond mere human advice, the LORD is the proclaimer of truth. Jesus declares the absolute and undiluted message that all of humanity needs. He is the wonderful counselor, and as such He does not stand distant but draws alongside us to help us find the right way. Consider how the crowds reacted to the LORD in Matthew 7:28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” When the Pharisees wanted Jesus arrested, they sent soldiers to capture Him. Yet, the guards returned emptyhanded and said concerning Jesus, “No one ever spoke like this man” (John 7:46).
 
Next, we see that the LORD is known as the Mighty God. It simply declares, “and his name shall be called... Mighty God.” Let the debating end concerning the person of Christ—He is God Almighty! There is One God, revealed in Three Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And Jesus is the revealed Son of God. Jesus is the Powerful Warrior, the Mighty Son of God who will bring all things under His rule and reign. He came once to conquer sin, and He will come again to reclaim the world. We discover in Revelation 17:14, “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” The Devil could not defeat Him; sin could not capture Him; the world could not control Him; and death could not conquer Him. He is the Mighty God.
 
We continue and learn that Jesus is also known as the Everlasting Father. Again, we see in our text today, “and his name shall be called... Everlasting Father.” There are some who wonder, “if Jesus is the Son of God, how can He also be the Everlasting Father.” You must understand that Jesus and the Father are united in thought, will and action and are One, as God, in substance. The LORD spoke to Philip in John 14:9, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Do not try to comprehend this based upon human familial relationships of father and son. This Divine Oneness is exclusive to the Almighty. It is enough for us to know that Jesus is one with the Father, even as He declares in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.”
 
And, the final name of the Messiah is Prince of Peace. We read in our text, “and his name shall be called... Prince of Peace.” Beloved, let this name bring you great comfort for Jesus has come to bring us into a reconciled peace with God through His sacrifice for our sins. We were at war with the Almighty, at enmity with God on High, and the LORD came to be our peace. We read in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” All who are in Christ are covered in His grace and are established forever in Him. Is not the very declaration at the birth of our LORD a promise of peace? We read in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
 
As Wonderful Counselor, let us listen to Him. As Mighty God, let us submit to Him. As Everlasting Father let us trust Him. And, as Prince of Peace, let us find our rest in Jesus.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael 

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