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©Copyright 02/13/22 by Rev. Bruce Goettsche
I have some favorite pieces from Handel’s Messiah.
The Hallelujah Chorus, of course is unequaled.
Its praise to God for the victory and work of Christ is sung at both Christmas and Easter.
My other favorite piece, because we sang it in our college choir, is based on this text: For unto us a child is born.
It spotlights the words we read most every Christmas at some time.
The words exalt the true nature of the child who was born in Bethlehem.
These words declare that Jesus was more than a baby, He was God in human form who came to rescue us from our sin, from ourselves, and ultimately from the wrath of God.
This prophecy follows the prophecies of chapter 7 and 8 which were fulfilled when Syria and Israel were attacked by the Assyrians.
It took a lot of money from Judah to keep from being swallowed up by the Assyrians.
Isaiah’s point is Assyria was not Israel and Judah’s most serious problem.
The biggest problem was the growing spiritual decay and darkness that was growing through the land.
Their biggest problem was with God.
Isaiah repeatedly jumps back and forth (it seems) between God’s promise and Israel and Judah’s condemnation.
Today we will see that contrast clearly between the promise and commitment of God to redemption, and the people’s ongoing resistance which was the reason for their judgment.
The Promise
The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
Isaiah is transitioning from the darkness of destruction to a promise of future life.
Isaiah once again gives some images of a future prosperity when all will be at peace and war will no longer be necessary.
How will God do this?
Through the birth of a child.
Over these first weeks in Isaiah I have said a couple of times that we need to expand our sense of wonder at the greatness of God and of our Lord Jesus.
We need to hear and feel the sense of awe that this description of the Son brings.
6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
First, we are told “the government will rest on His shoulders.”
This does not mean the Messiah was going to form a political entity.
This is not the government of a particular country, it is the governing over all creation!
He is the Sovereign King; the One who determines the times and seasons of all things.
Even as other rulers rule now, the government is still on HIS shoulders.
Next, we are told the four titles of the one who would make this a reality.
It is a picture of our Lord who came to us in Bethlehem.
The first title is “Wonderful Counselor.
Some people make this into two separate characteristics.
Each of the other three titles is a couplet (two words) so it is likely this is combined as well.
There are good counselors and there are bad counselors.
Some counselors tell you only what you want to hear (instead of what you need to hear).
Others make judgments before they have the facts.
Others seem to just like to tell other people what to do.
The best counselors listen, reflect, and then try to help the counselee help themselves.
They understand they do not see the entire picture so they must keep a very open mind.
We are told Jesus is the best of counselors.
Having said this, what is being said about the Lord is much more than just this.
The word “wonderful” in the Hebrew means “extraordinary to the point of being miraculous” it is refers to the supernatural work of God.
“Counselor” does not mean “therapist” it means one who serves as a consultant to help and lead others.
In other words, Jesus is our supernatural guide through the minefield we call life.
He knows the way we should go, and always knows this with perfect knowledge (unlike the counselor who only gives advice on the basis of what they have been told.)
Our wonderful counselor always has a right assessment of our situation, and always gives the right prescription because He knows us better than we know ourselves.
But like any counsel or advice we are given, it is only good advice is we take the advice and do what we have been prescribed.
The name Mighty God reveals that this One to come would be God in human form.
Jesus is unique among those who have lived.
He alone comes from the Father in a unique way.
The title Mighty means a valiant warrior.
He is the God who rules and controls all things.
He is in charge.
I love the Television show The Chosen.
The guy who plays Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, is wonderful in the role.
But even with the Chosen, we need to be careful.
Jesus was not just a smart, compassionate man with miraculous power, He is indeed the Mighty God.
We must guard against viewing Jesus as our buddy.
He is God and deserves our respect and worship.
The title, Everlasting Father does not just denote the royal father of His people.
This is not a statement about the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
The adjective Eternalspeaks to the idea of one who is forever or eternal.
He is the “Father of eternity,” indicating that He is the author or creator of time.
As a Father, He gives us life, He protects us, and He provides for us.
The last title (in this passage) is Prince of Peace.
Everywhere we turn, people clamor for peace.
They long for peace on the inside, peace with God, and peace with the people in the world around us.
Jesus is the only one who can bring the depth of peace we need.
First, He makes it possible for us to at peace with God.
He paid for our sin so we are no longer God’s enemies, but part of His family.
Second, He brings peace in the trials of our lives.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(John 14:27) Our peace comes from knowing we are in God’s hands and He knows what He is doing.
And Third, He makes it possible for us to be reconciled with each other.
He gives us the strength and the desire to forgive, to truly listen and to understand each other.
The “barrier wall of hostility” has been removed.
Enemies now become fellow members of God’s family.
Isaiah tells us the rule of Christ and its peace will never end.
There are no elections, term limits, or even rival opponents.
This is His position, and He has held it through all of eternity.
Why?
Because the passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s armies will make it happen.
Do you see that His rule and the peace that comes from Him has nothing to do with our human plans, our diligent marketing programs, our protests, lobbying, or any earthly schemes?
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