Who Would He Be?

Background to passage: Historically, the Assyrians are coming down on these two northern territories of the tribes of Israel. Their destruction of all of Israel was completed in 722 BC, but this prophecy was written about 10 years before Zebulun and Naphtali were destroyed, and about 20 years before the completion of the takeover, so about 742 BC. Chaos was reigning in the region. The Assyrians were brutal, cruel, and seemingly unstoppable. This was a message of hope that God’s Messiah would come. It comes on the heels of Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin giving birth to a son in Isa 7.

Isaiah 9:1–7 ESV

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 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.

Opening illustration: funerals are a time that we look back and summarize a life, but usually we don’t limit it to four things. What if we took a historical figure of great significance and put down his four greatest accomplishments or his four greatest character traits or roles? What if we took a baby and foretold four things about it, maybe allude to Katie’s baby. What if I told you about a baby that would be born 750 years from now...

Main thought: This morning I want to look at this Christmas gift of a son that was given to us.

1) Wonderful Counselor (v. 6)

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

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.

1) Wonderful Counselor (v. 6)

Explanation: The word for wonderful doesn’t really mean that Jesus would be wonderful. He is, but the word actually means “one who works wonders,” supernatural events or actions that defy normal explanation. So paired with one who is fully of vastly incomprehensible divine wisdom, we have unimaginably wise God who works wonders among us people.

Argumentation:

Illustration:

Application: Every one of us needs to know that there is a Wonderful Counselor for us. In times of desperation, everybody hopes there is someone out there. Believers in Christ KNOW that Wonderful Counselor is there. He is able to do anything! He has no limits - physical, spiritual, spatial, intellectual, or any other area. He has the best counsel, never makes a mistake, always knows what best, never second guesses himself, knows there’s never a better way, knows the best way to help you, and is the best counselor you’ve ever had. He is wisdom personified and promises to give you all you ask for.

Who needs something supernatural in your life today? Who needs counsel? Who needs someone to hear your cry? Who has a decision before you? You have been given a Son with that name! Repent and believe, begin walking in step with the Spirit, be the branches that connect to the vine. Live in moment by moment obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

2) Mighty God (v. 6)

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

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.

2) Mighty God (v. 6)

Explanation: The name of God here is El’ Gibbor. It is one of many that begin with the word for God “el’”. Some have argued that it’s meaning is much like “hero God,” but strength is a better translation. Gibbor was used of mighty men in battle, thus the previous thought. None of the men described with this word of strength and bravery ever had it combined with God. Nor were they called God in themselves. This pointed to the human and the divine coming together in this son who was given.

Argumentation:

Illustration:

Application: Each of us needs a warrior to fight our battles for us. We need a God that will give us strength on our weakest days. We need to believe that nothing is to hard for him. We need to believe that whatever comes, he has what it takes. We need to know that he was the infinite person of the trinity, the one who was seated with God in perfect communion with God, and he came down for us.

3) Everlasting Father (v. 6)

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

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.

3) Everlasting Father (v. 6)

Explanation: One compound word in the Hebrew, literally “Father of Eternity.” The various aspects of biblical fatherhood are included, but the main two that are intended are: 1) fatherly provision of protection even in disaster (remember the Assyrians were coming and they conquer), 2) fatherly provision of eternal life. If we go back to the list, we see the needs being met of a supernatural, omnipotent, all-wise God for rescue and wisdom and leadership, 2) a powerful warrior who gives strength in battle and in life for our toughest days, 3) now we see the needs of care and eternal life being met; it fits right in to the message that Israel, and (we) needs.

Isaiah 64:8 ESV

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Illustration: almost every statistical, academic, policy, social science study ever performed notes that desire for a father’s love is universal, the impact of a positive roll model of a father is at least a strong correlation, if not causation, to future behavior, academic performance, social interactions, relationship success, job success, substance abuse, illegal behaviors and the list could go on. The negative impacts of the absence of a father are clear as well. Although, these are not ultimate determining factors.

Application: Every one of us desires the love and care of a father. It may feel deep and painful, or it could be buried and ignored. Some of us come from broken homes with no father present, or some of us have lost our dads, the pain endures. I was talking about wedding bands with Kait the other day, and I don’t know if I’ve ever shared the story of me losing my wedding back in the Little River in Townsend while tubing. The one I wear now belonged to my Papaw, so it has sentimental value, he died when I was 10, but my mom will tell you that she still thinks about him every day after nearly 40 years. Today, I can offer you, because God offered us, fatherly love and protection. Good father, bad father, no father, I offer you a perfect and everlasting one!

The other thing that we all need is eternal life. This son was given to us to become our substitute and become the “father” of salvation. He ushered in the salvation that he would give to his children. The Jews exercised their faith looking forward to this son who would be given, to messiah who would come, to the suffering servant who would be punished for our iniquities. We exercise our faith by looking back to Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, repenting and believing that he is our only hope. Have you put your trust in him? Has it changed your life? Eternal life starts now. Forgiveness, peace, joy begins now as the Everlasting Father provides salvation to all those that would believe.

4) Prince of Peace (v. 6)

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

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.

4) Prince of Peace (v. 6)

Explanation: This royal title is not particularly surprising because in general kings of the ancient world wanted their people to be at peace with each other and other nations. They wanted them to flourish in life. This son that would be given would be royalty, but not one of cruelty and capturing territory, but of a peaceful reign. These regions, the people of Israel needed to know that in the midst of chaos and trouble and destruction, their gift would be peace.

Luke 2:14 ESV

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 5:1 ESV

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Illustration: “He is a peaceful king, one who comes in peace and one who establishes peace, not by a brutal squashing of all defiance, but by means of a transparent vulnerability which makes defiance pointless.”

Application: In life, we need one who offers peace, and assures us that he can bring it, and brings the kind that is found within the inner man. This peace is between God and man before it is between man and man. When turmoil is on the inside, he can bring peace. When circumstances rock our world, he can be our peace. When we are broken before him, he can bring peace. When sin wrecks our lives, he can bring peace. When guilt is our pillow, and sleep is not found, he can be our peace.

Closing illustration:

Recap