Isaiah 9:6 has always been a favorite Old Testament prophecy of Christ:
“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.”
This description makes it clear that Christ was more than human. We find similar descriptions of Christ in Psalm 2 and Psalm 110. Jesus actually refers to Psalm 110 when explaining that he is more than human in Mark 12:36.
To us a child is born.
Isaiah 7:14 adds additional prophetic details: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
And the Gospels give us some wonderful details that we should read every Christmas: Luke 2:1-20.
The government will be upon his shoulders.
This doesn’t mean He is a world leader. It means He is ultimately in control of history.
Wonderful Counselor.
God’s wisdom is perfect.
Mighty God.
His strength is unmatched.
Everlasting Father.
While the focus of this prophecy is Christ, it includes this description because the Trinity is always in perfect unity of purpose (e.g. Matthew 3:16-17).
Prince of Peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Bible Love Notes
I agree with the rabbis that Isaiah 9:5-6 is Messianic.
ReplyDeleteTargum Jonathan to the Prophets:
“The prophet announced to the house of David that: ‘A boy has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, who has taken the Torah upon himself to guard it; and his name has been called by the One who gives wonderful counsel, the Mighty God, He who lives forever: “Messiah,” in whose day peace shall abound for us. He shall make great the dignity of those who labor in the Torah and of those who maintain peace, without end; on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to build it in justice and in righteousness, from this time forth and forever.”
The Incarnation of God fulfilling His promise that He is with us... Immanuel.
ReplyDeleteMay we remember not only the celebration but rejoice in the Child who was born, a Child given who was and is called to the hopeless... a Wonderful Counselor, to the skeptics and doubters of His deity... a Mighty God, those who were orphaned and abandoned... the Everlasting Father, and to those who are broken and incomplete... the Prince of Peace.
May we yearn more not on presents ... but His presence.