“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Christian, you have been given an incredible gift – Are you aware of it?
Imagine it this way, in our day of power packed electronic gadgets – many people have fascinating, multifaceted electronics…but only use the slightest fraction of their capabilities. Now the truth is, that many of the things these devices can do for us, are not things we really need, and thus to neglect them is not all that serious.
Yet, in contrast to this – what we really need as Christians IS found in Christ….and yet many Christians neglect what they ALREADY HAVE in Christ. With this in mind, today, I would like to ask you to look afresh at the wonder of the incredible gift we have in Jesus.
Here in Isaiah 9:6, God describes for us what is given to us by Jesus entering this world as a baby. This is the celebration that CHRISTmas is supposed to be about. In a very quick “tour”, let me walk you through the tremendous blessings that are ours in Christ revealed in this single verse.
1st – Unto us a Son is givenGod’s own Son. Nothing could be more precious to God, nothing more valuable. There is more in this understanding than could be contained in a library full of books. God has given us the highest gift imaginable.
2nd – the government will be upon His shoulder.The reality of this promise will be fully realized in eternity…but even now the truth applies and is for us. His burden is light, His yoke is easy…because if we walk with Him…He bears the weight of our walk with Him. Are you enjoying this in Christ?
3rd – His name will be called WonderfulThe idea of “wonderful” is something that is amazing, almost too good for words to describe. This wonder is the beauty, majesty and marvel in Christ. This wonder…is for you to know, to know Him!
4th – His name will be called…CounselorThis season of the year brings out a wide range of situations and emotions. For some this season is filled with joy. Others are left with a vague hole in their hearts, and still others are faced with the depths of depression. I put to you this reality – that in Christ we have been given the greatest counselor and comforter imaginable.
5th – His name will be called…Mighty GodThe words here convey that He is all powerful, the almighty God. There is nothing too hard for God. Paul discovered this reality when he said that he could do all things through Christ. It is so true, in Christ, we have all we need for the life God has for us.
6th – His name will be called … Everlasting Father, He is to us as tender, as faithful and as caring as any Father every could be. Yet, the focus is more…He is unending in His care. He is everlasting. He never gives up, never quits – He is eternal. You have no fear that you will exhaust His supply. Hebrews tells us that because of this – He is able to save us to the uttermost!
7th – His name will be called …Prince of Peace.Peace…it is what so many people want…and so few have. It is only found one place, in Christ. He is the Prince of it – the source, avenue and leader of it. Peace, real peace, is only in Him.
Consider WHO this is for…For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;When we think about the wonder and the fullness found in the seven attributes listed here, it is amazing to realize that it is really ours. Yet, God makes it clear, in fact He says it twice in the verse…this is unto us…this is for us. It is as if you are holding a CHRISTmas gift and you look, and indeed – the gift is for you. Christian, this is for you…it is yours – it is a gift that God has given you.
The simple truth is…what many Christians so desperately want – they already have in Christ. Yet either unaware or apathetic towards Him…they look for these needed things in unreliable sources. Today…I call you afresh to see what is given you in Christ…and take full advantage of all He is to us.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Jim
