“… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.†(Isaiah 9:6)
There are numerous references to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures. He is portrayed as the ‘Messiah’ (the Anointed One) whom God will send to the world to save His people and destroy evil (Isaiah 9: 6, 7).
It had been predicted in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, that He will be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15) through the line of Shem (Genesis 9:26) and specifically through Abraham (Genesis 22:18). Prophet Isaiah gave a detailed picture of His sacrificial death and its purpose (Isaiah 53) and King David prophesied about His victory over death (Psalm 16:8-11).
The passage given above (Isaiah 9:6) is one among the many different references to Jesus in the Old Testament. It is remarkable because of its prophetic scope, clarity and magnificence.
Four prominent titles of Jesus are mentioned in this passage.
1. Wonderful Counselor
Jesus is not simply called a counselor, but ‘Wonderful Counselor’.
The term ‘wonderful’ has the sense of something that stands out from others. When compared with other counselors, Jesus obviously stands out from all of them because of His divinity, superior wisdom and longevity.
Jesus is, forever, your guide. In Revelation 3:18, He says to the Laodicean church, “I counsel you…†There is nothing He cannot give a counsel on. Since He knows the past, present and future, He gives the right counsel regarding your needs.
2. Mighty God
In John 20:28, Thomas, one of the apostles, cried out to Jesus, “…my God!†Hence this title reveals the divinity of Jesus. It shows Him as equal with God the Father.
Also, this title distinguishes Jesus from so called gods and goddesses who brag to be mighty but prove to be weak.
There is nothing He cannot do. King Herod couldn’t kill Him as a baby. Pharisees couldn’t stop Him in His mission. Death couldn’t hold Him from His destiny!
He shows Himself mighty to you today. He can help you out of your issues. He can re-create your mountains into miracles!
3. Everlasting Father
The term ‘Father’ presents Jesus as the architect of new life. When there was no way for people to escape the vicious cycle of sin and curse, He opened up a new way of salvation through His death on the cross. Anyone who repents of his sins and surrenders his life to Jesus can experience this new life forever!
Also, like God the Father, Jesus has an everlasting tenure. No one can vote Him out of His chair!
People may leave you. Friends may ditch you. But, as his disciple, you always have the privilege of His Presence.
4. Prince of Peace
A ‘prince’ is one having authority over a particular province. As Prince, Jesus has authority over heaven and earth. Everything comes under His control. He reigns over you.
Jesus is called the Prince of Peace because peace is the dominant quality of his domain. When Antichrist tries to establish fake peace, Jesus delivers genuine peace. That’s what He promised His disciples, “…my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid†(John 14:27).
During this Christmas season, dwell on this wonderful thought that Jesus, who was born 2000 years back, is now your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!
Life Application Questions:
~ Do you seek His counsel daily?
~ Do you trust His strength more than your potential?
~ Have you received the glorious salvation that He provides?
~ Do you experience His peace in your storms?
Model Prayer:
Father, I thank you for giving Jesus, your Son, as your precious gift to me. I acknowledge Him as my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. I surrender my life into your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
– – – written by Joe Abraham from www.gloriousliving.net
