Seven hundred years before Jesus was born the Prophet Isaiah recorded a message for all of humanity. “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.”
Isaiah gives us a description of the Messiah that bears repeating.
First, “the government will be on his shoulders.” This affirms the lordship of our Messiah. We will no longer be disappointed in the judges, leaders, and kings of this earth, instead we will have the perfect, holy, and righteous Son of God to lead us. We anticipate that reign, a day when Christ is Lord over all of creation.
Second, Jesus has become our “Wonderful Counselor”. In Hebrew, the idea is that His counsel is a thing of wonder and awe. He is the perfect ruler, a King with no flaws. As God incarnate, Jesus is the source of all truth. There is no corrupt judge or lying politician to rule. Instead we will have the absolute best, a loving Savior who teaches us how to live and find eternity.
Third, Jesus is our “Mighty God”. The word for “mighty” also means hero. This conveys how Jesus saves us from death. Because Christ is God, He can forgive sin, defeat Satan, liberate us from the power of evil, redeem us, answer our prayers, restore our broken souls, and reign as Lord—“Mighty God”—over our newly ordered lives. He is not only the Holy Son of God, but his actions rescue and deliver us. In this way, he is the greatest hero of all time.
Fourth, Jesus is our “Eternal Father”. Jesus, the Messiah, gives us “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12-13). We are no longer orphans out on our own, but members of God’s family. A family and kingdom that has no end.
Finally, Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”. While many see this title as an end to war on earth, another battle is in mind. Jesus brings about reconciliation between God and humanity. He offers peace from God (Romans 1:7) to all who are the recipients of His grace. He brings peace with God (Romans 5:1) to those who surrender to Him in faith. He brings the peace of God (Philippians 4:7) to those who walk with Him.
This one verse continues to shine brightly among Scripture. It delivers the promise of our Messiah. It highlights the reign of our future and glorious King. It also shares how we can ultimately be reconciled and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
When George F. Handel composed his Messiah in 1741, Isaiah 9:6 was one of the Scriptural texts used. He saw in this simple verse the profound message of a Savior arriving on earth and decided to set it to music. May we never cease to praise and glorify God for the beautiful gift of Jesus, our newborn King!
