Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah 9:1-7 is often associated with the Christmas season because it was a prophecy that the Messiah would be born to God’s people as a child who would grow to rule over God’s Kingdom of light, joy, freedom and peace (v.2-5). The most noteworthy, marvellous and mysterious statement about this God-given Son comes in v.6:

⁶ 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.

How can this Son be all of this? How can this human King be the Mighty God Himself, and the Wonderful Counsellor, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace – all of this in One?

As New Testament readers, we understand that Jesus is the Prince of Peace Who promised His disciples, “My peace I leave with you” (John 14:26) and Who made peace between God and Humanity through His death and resurrection. It’s easy to associate this Name with Jesus.

The name, “Wonderful Counsellor“, on the other hand, is most often associated with the Holy Spirit. But we should also remember that when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit’s coming, He promised “another Counsellor”. The Holy Spirit would continue Jesus’ own ministry as “Counsellor” in the disciples’ lives (John 14:16). Jesus Himself embodied the ministry of the Wonderful Counsellor too.

Likewise, while the term “Everlasting Father” refers to the One to Whom Jesus prayed as “Abba, Father”, we also remember that Jesus mysteriously said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus’ life was a manifestation of all the beauty and majesty of the invisible Father.

I believe Isaiah 9:6 describes the wondrous mystery we know as “the Trinity”. It is the Old Testament expression of the truth of Colossians 1:15, 19 and 2:9:

¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation … ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him … ⁹ For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…”

Jesus is the Son of God who incarnates all the fullness of the Deity – “the Godhead”. Let’s marvel at this mystery today. Just as importantly, let’s seek to enjoy the unspeakable privilege of the relationship Jesus has given us with Almighty God – as our Father, our Prince of Peace and our Counsellor.

Almighty God, thank You for Jesus Who has made peace between us on the cross. Through the Prince of Peace, help me to experience You more fully today as my Loving Father, and as my Counsellor and Comforter. Draw near to me in all Your fullness, Lord, as I draw near to You. Amen.