A Prophecy About A King

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

 ‘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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

Some evenings before bed, my 3-year-old and I declare aloud the various names of Jesus, these being some of them, as we remember the God we’re praying to.

In the same way that a distinct smell might bring up an associated memory, for me this awesome Scripture brings on the Christmas tingles as I think about mulled wine, mince pies, and most importantly an evening Christmas Carol Service where this incredible Scripture is read proclaiming the first coming of King Jesus. This prophecy was first spoken around 700-800 BC. While scholars have seen its fulfilment in various historical kings, as Christians we recognise the richest and truest fulfilment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus.

Here Jesus is described as a ‘Wonderful Counsellor’, words which refer to the work of God Himself, and in Hebrew are nearest to our word ‘supernatural’. Translated literally, He is ‘a Wonder of a Counsellor’. Jesus will lead and guide you supernaturally.

Jesus is the ‘Mighty God’, which can be translated as ‘Divine Warrior’, speaking of Christ’s strength to defeat the enemy in life’s battles, as we face ‘the world, the flesh and the devil.’

Jesus is the eternal Son of God. The phrase ‘everlasting Father’ reflects his fatherliness over the welfare of his children as he rules his Kingdom ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’ Jesus will provide and take care of your welfare.

Jesus is the ‘Prince of Peace’ speaking of the king’s role as a source of peace and well-being for his people. He brings peace to your heart in every situation you bring to him. At his second coming he will restore complete, perfect and everlasting peace.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you that the whole Bible points towards you. Thank you that you are my ‘Wonderful Counsellor…. Mighty God…. Everlasting Father… Prince of Peace…’