by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco
In a month Advent season will come. It is a
time when we begin preparing for the celebration of Christmas. Since we got
only four reflections to cover Advent and Christmas it may be well for us to
begin reflecting on these two seasons now. So, for now, we will reflect on the
messianic prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9:6. “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”
Christians believe that this prophecy was
fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ is the incarnate Son of God (Jn.
1:14). But the Jews would not believe that Jesus was the Messiah for the reason
that His birth was poor and lowly. They believe that the Messiah would be born
in a very royal and magnificent way. The Gentiles did not believe that it was
possible for God or heavenly beings to be born as human. so the incarnation was
a myth. Thus in Jesus’ time to the Jews and Gentiles the incarnation was a
stumbling block and foolishness respectively (1 Cor. 1:23). But the story of
the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the total message of the
gospel.
In the text, four two-word names are given
to the coming Messiah:
The first is Wonderful Counselor. What does a
counselor do? He/she guides people to solve a personal problem or meet a need.
Jesus is the great counselor. Through His life and teachings He guides people
to right living. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6).
Live like He lived and follow His teachings and you will always be on the right
way.
The second is Mighty God. In the
Bible name is not just an identity label. It is a description of the person.
The Messiah is mighty God. He is a powerful God. Some people do not believe
that Jesus Christ is God. Here He is God. And He is mighty, powerful. His power
does not lie on military and physical force. It lies on love and righteousness.
He did not fight militarily when He was crucified. He relied on God’s power of
love and righteousness, and three days after He was entombed He victoriously
defeated death and sin by His resurrection.
Third, He is Everlasting Father. The
role of a father at least is to take care of, provide for the needs, and
protect the family from all dangers. The Messiah is a caring father. He
provides all the spiritual nurture of His people. But we must avail ourselves
of all these blessings, if we are to enjoy them, by being close to Him in faith.
We must be constant in prayer, eager in knowing His words and living by them.
Fourth, is Prince of Peace. The reign
of the Messiah shall be characterized by peace. This is so because His rule shall
be defined by love and justice. When love and justice reign there is unity,
understanding and harmony. It is only as the spirit of Christ is reigning in
the hearts and lives of people that the world will truly attain real peace.
This is also true in our closer personal relationships.
Prayer:
Our Loving God, we unceasingly
pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But
that will only happen when Your Son is known and received by all people as Your
messianic Son. Grant that we will be truly earnest in proclaiming Him as Your
Redeemer Son. In His name we pray. Amen.
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