The Road To The Manger: The Messiah Promised

“The King of Kings” Lyrics

Verse #1:

In the darkness we were waiting Without hope, without light

'Til from Heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes To fulfill the law and prophets To a virgin came the word From a throne of endless glory To a cradle in the dirt

Chorus:

Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings

Verse #2:

To reveal the kingdom coming And to reconcile the lost To redeem the whole creation You did not despise the cross For even in your suffering You saw to the other side Knowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake you died

Chorus:

Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings

By Songwriters: Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood, Brooke Gabrielle Fraser

The Context:

Isaiah 9:6-7 is a foundational prophecy in the Bible, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. Delivered in a time of darkness and despair for Israel, this passage stands as a beacon of hope, foretelling the Messiah’s birth, character, and eternal reign. It is a declaration of God’s unyielding faithfulness to His covenant promises.

I. The Promise of a Messiah (Isaiah 9:6a)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…”

1. The Humanity of Christ

• The phrase “a child is born” emphasizes Jesus’ humanity. He would come into the world as a vulnerable baby, fully sharing in our human nature (Hebrews 2:14).

• This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of the virgin birth: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son…”

Supporting Scripture:

Hebrews 2:14 “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,”

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

2. The Divinity of Christ

• “A son is given” emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus. He is not merely born; He is sent. This points to His eternal existence as the Son of God (John 3:16).

Supporting Scripture:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Christ’s dual nature, fully God and fully man, is foundational to our salvation. Only as man could He represent us, and only as God could He provide a perfect sacrifice for sin.

II. The Authority of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6b)

“…and the government will be on his shoulders.”

1. A Sovereign King

• This phrase signifies the Messiah’s role as a ruler. Unlike earthly kings who wield limited authority, Jesus’ government will encompass all nations and all creation (Matthew 28:18).

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

• The imagery of carrying the government on His shoulders points to His strength and responsibility as a divine leader.

2. Contrast with Earthly Governments

• In Isaiah’s time, Israel suffered under corrupt and weak leadership. This prophecy brings hope of a ruler who is just, righteous, and eternal.

• Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). His reign is spiritual, eternal, and rooted in justice and peace.

Supporting Scripture:

John 18:36 “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.””

III. The Titles of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6c)

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Each title reveals a facet of Christ’s character and mission:

1. Wonderful Counselor

• Jesus possesses divine wisdom and understanding (Colossians 2:3).

His counsel is perfect, guiding us in paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3).

Supporting Scripture:

Colossians 2:3 “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Psalm 23:2 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”

He is not only a teacher but an empathetic guide, offering comfort and clarity in our confusion.

2. Mighty God

• This title affirms Christ’s deity and power. He is the omnipotent God, capable of defeating sin, Satan, and death.

• Jesus demonstrated His might through miracles, His resurrection, and His ultimate victory over evil (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Supporting Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

3. Everlasting Father

• While Jesus is distinct from God the Father in the Trinity, this title refers to His paternal care over His people.

• He is the eternal protector, provider, and source of life (John 10:28). His love is unchanging and everlasting.

Supporting Scripture:

John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

4. Prince of Peace

• Jesus brings peace between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice (Romans 5:1).

• He also provides internal peace for His followers, guarding their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

IV. The Nature of His Reign (Isaiah 9:7)

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end…”

1. Eternal and Expanding Kingdom

• Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, Christ’s reign is eternal. His kingdom will grow and encompass all nations (Daniel 2:44).

• This fulfills God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16: “Your throne will be established forever.”

Supporting Scripture:

Daniel 2:24 “Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.””

2 Samuel 7:16 “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” ’ ””

2. Foundation of Justice and Righteousness

• Jesus’ reign will be marked by perfect justice and righteousness. He will right all wrongs and bring ultimate equity (Revelation 21:4).

Supporting Scripture:

Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””

• In a world plagued by corruption and injustice, this promise is a source of hope.

3. The Zeal of the Lord

• The passage ends with the assurance that God Himself will accomplish this. His zeal underscores His unwavering commitment to His purposes.

Conclusion: Christ, Our Eternal King

Isaiah 9:6-7 points us to Jesus Christ, the promised Savior and eternal King. This prophecy invites us to trust in His wisdom, power, care, and peace.

“What does Christmas mean? Is it not the time of year when men are reminded of Christ the Savior’s birth? Are you not told to remember how Jesus came into the world to save sinners? All this is true. There is no denying it. The birth of Christ the Savior—the manhood of Christ the Savior—the salvation provided by Christ the Savior—all these are mighty facts. But after all will they profit you anything? Will they do you any good? In one word—shall you be saved?”

John Charles Ryle (Bishop of Liverpool)

Application:

• Worship Jesus for who He is—the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

• Submit to His reign in your life, allowing Him to guide and transform you.

• Share the hope of His eternal kingdom with others, especially in a world longing for true justice and peace.

Let us rejoice in the fulfillment of this prophecy, for “the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”