For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)
There are many ministries active in the world who are trying to reach people from a Jewish background with the Gospel. There are videos on social media where these groups meet with both devout and secular Jews and share with them verses from the Old Testament. As they share the verses, they ask the participants where they think the verses come from, and the majority of the time they remark from the Christian Scriptures. But the truth is more profound and incredible.
As you reflect on the true meaning for the Christmas season, I hope you’ll remember that Jesus our Messiah was “born king of the Jews.” He is both the Jewish Messiah and the Savior of the world. Today’s focal Scripture reading comes from the Prophet Isaiah, in the Old Testament Jewish Scriptures, written 700 years before the birth of Christ. This incredible, prophetic promise was fulfilled and completed through Jesus at His incarnation in Bethlehem.
I’d like you to notice something imperative: The child was born, but the son was given. Why would the Prophet add this important distinction? Because Jesus Christ was begotten (given) not created. This truth is echoed in the most famous verse in the Bible: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV). Isaiah not only told us of the incredible, profound truth of the incarnation (the eternal Son of God putting on humanity), he also revealed what this promised Messiah would be like.
Notice the names used to describe Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This incredible child, Son of God, was not a mere human, even the best of humanity, He is the eternal (everlasting) God. If you know Jesus as Lord, you can stop and celebrate the truth of who He is. You’ve experienced His wonderful council through His Word and Spirit. You’ve no doubt experienced His power and strength. You’ve known His fatherly love. His peace fills you with supernatural, unexplainable peace. Praise our incredible God for the incredible truth of who He is!
The Scripture tells us that this promised Messiah would rule on the throne of David, a direct fulfillment of God’s promises to David, the very ones we discussed in yesterday’s devotion. Just as God kept His promise at the first advent of Christ (that is His first coming), He is actively and will fully fulfill the second part of His promise at His second advent (that is His second coming). So, this Christmas season let us rejoice in the truth of who Jesus is and His incredible rule and reign both now and forevermore!
As we close out this devotion, some of you are like me in that you have people you deeply love who have stepped into eternity before you were ready. Know that the Christmas season isn’t just about the birth and life of Jesus but also His eternal reign in a place the Bible says will be free from death, sorrow, hunger, and suffering (see Revelation 21:4). Today let us meditate on both the past, present, and the future of the Christmas story! Only God could orchestrate something so incredibly breathtaking.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible beauty of Scripture. Your promises and the prophetic Scriptures concerning Your promised Messiah escape our finite minds. Today we thank You for the incredible promise You kept at the incarnation of Christ. Jesus, we are forever grateful for the kind of Lord, King, and Savior You are. Help the truths of Your Word fill us with awe as we come to you for council, help, and fatherly love. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
