Bible Passage: “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.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
There are spaces within the books of Scripture that cannot be skipped over, even if the applicability to men is not obvious.
Isaiah’s beautiful prophetic poem about the coming Messiah is one such passage.
There are lessons to learn. In the description of the coming Messiah, we find ourselves confronted with both the realities of the world around us and a hopeful picture of what it will take to fix it, as well as an implicit invitation to join in that work as the Messiah’s aides and coworkers.
Let’s explore the descriptions given to the coming Christ.
Wonderful Counselor: Wisdom is implicit in this description—sound guidance and insight. The restoration of all things demands wisdom. Men are often quicker to act than to counsel, speedier to decide rather than listen and discern. This description invites us to reorder what we pursue. Men of action are needed, but action at the right time and for the right reasons.
Almighty God/Everlasting Father: God, and particularly from this passage, the coming Christ, is the model for fatherhood. “Everlasting” suggests presence and consistency. In our own lives, this may address the fatherhood needs left unmet by our earthly fathers, as well as present a model for men to follow as we raise our own children.
Prince of Peace: Whether we have suffered under the choices of others or even been the agents who have shattered peace, we need peace. The peace that the Promised One brings is total and complete. It is shalom—perfect balance. Every relationship, system, idea—every broken thing made whole. This project is achieved only through the work of the Prince of Peace. In the meantime, we note where peace is missing and work where we can to restore it.
We see where and, more importantly, Who ushers in the way things are supposed to be.
This Savior shows us strength used in wisdom, power used to pave the way of peace, and authority of fatherhood wielded in faithfulness and consistency.
We’ll never measure up to that, and we are not meant to—but that does not allow us to shrug and fall short. The Messiah is both a promise and a model to follow.
Prayer: Jesus, we know You are the One who was promised in Isaiah. Thank You for the life You modeled in Your time on this earth and the work You did to inaugurate the Kingdom. Help me to wait patiently for its fulfillment and for the full accomplishment of Your work. Help me to strive to be ready in word, deed, and idea to be a part of that coming Kingdom. Amen.
Reflection: Of the descriptions of Christ we looked at, which characteristic do you most long to see enacted in your life?
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