John Barbour
Isaiah 9:6
For unto 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.
Reflection
Unto US a child is born. These words were written by the prophet Isaiah over 700 years before the promised child (Jesus) was born. At birth, most children are given to the parents by the doctor. The parents, quite naturally can’t wait to hold the son or daughter that has come into the world as THEIRS. Jesus however, was given by His Father to US. Imagine the bittersweet agony of Mary His mother, and Joseph His earthly father figure as they came to realize that Jesus belonged to them only as much as He belonged to EVERYONE.
The Apostle John knew of this promise from the book of Isaiah. I wonder if he was thinking about this exact verse when he wrote “For God so loved the world that He gave (UNTO US) His only begotten son so that whoever would believe in Him, would receive eternal life.”
When we believe in Jesus, He becomes UNTO US the Wonderful Counselor, guiding us through every valley and over every mountain life hands us. He is the Mighty God who will fight on our behalf and comes to us with strength even in our weakness. He is the Everlasting Father because Jesus and His Father are one. He said “if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” And He is our Prince of Peace. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians that He Himself, Jesus, IS our peace.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the divine generosity that allows Your Son to be our Savior. Thank You for giving us guidance and strength. In this conflicted and tumultuous world, we’re grateful that You have given us peace that passes our human understanding. All this is ours because You gave us Your Son.
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