Unwrapping the Prophecy of Isaiah 9:6
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, one of the most iconic prophecies comes to mind: “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” (Isaiah 9:6). But what does this promise really mean?
A Message of Hope
In the original context of Isaiah, this promise was a beacon of hope for a people walking in darkness. The northern regions of Israel, including Zebulun and Naphtali, were the first to suffer from war and exile. Yet, Isaiah prophesied that they would be the first to experience restoration, their darkness turned to light, and their gloom to joy (Isaiah 9:1-3).
Three Gifts of the Messiah
With the arrival of this child, Isaiah promised three gifts: joy, freedom, and peace. The people would rejoice before God, and their oppression would be lifted (Isaiah 9:4-5). These gifts would come through the rule of a king, a son of David, who would bring light to the darkness and peace to the nations.
The Identity of the Messiah
This son would be a king, identified by four titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He would be the wisest of counselors, with supernatural wisdom, and truly human and truly divine. He would show fatherly care to his people, bringing peace to their souls, relationships, and communities.
The Fulfillment of the Promise
This promise was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus, born into the line of David through Mary and Joseph. Jesus’s identity became clear as he unfolded his ministry, preaching the gospel of his kingdom and fulfilling the promises of Isaiah. He began his ministry in the very region where Isaiah prophesied he would, bringing light to those who dwelt in darkness.
A Gift for Us All
So, who is this child for? He is for us, for you and for me, if we’ll receive his grace and come under his rule. The Lord Jesus was not just born to Mary, but to all his people. He is born to us and given to us, the great gift to the world. We celebrate Jesus’s birth because he came to bring light to our darkness, freedom to our slavery, and peace to our distress.
The Zeal of the Lord
This section in Isaiah ends with stunning assurance: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:7). God delights to give us his Son, and it is in and through Christ that we receive joy, freedom, and peace. Let us be zealous to receive him, the gift of God’s love and redemption.
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