Isaiah: A Child is Born

Isaiah 9

Israel was going through a dark time. A civil war had divided the nation, causing both Israel and Judah to turn away from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and form alliances with other countries. When Isaiah wrote his prophecy, the northern kingdom (Israel) was only a few years away from being overthrown by Assyria. God sent Isaiah to warn the southern kingdom (Judah) that they would face discipline if they did not repent and return to him. 

In the last part of Isaiah 9, God indicates that Israel’s defeat is imminent; he is stirring up enemies to deliver the consequences of continued unrepentant sin (Isa. 9:12). God would judge the “elder and honored” men who were leading Israel astray and the prophets who were teaching lies (Isa. 9:13-17). Judgment is definite, as Isaiah describes, “through the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land is scorched” (Isa. 9:19).

But the darkness enveloping Israel and Judah will one day be replaced by God’s marvelous Light.

Isaiah 9:2
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.

God will bring back joy “as with joy at the harvest” (Isa. 9:3). The yoke of oppression will be broken “as on the day of Midian” (Isa. 9:4), recalling the time when Gideon was victorious by the power of God (Judges 6-7). All this will happen when a child is born.

Isaiah 9:6-7
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. 

This remarkable passage is today’s Anchor Point. Let’s probe deeper into these verses.

Isaiah foretold that a virgin would give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, God with us (Isa. 7:14). Now, we receive more details about this child to be born. Jesus’ birth marks the beginning of his time on earth, ultimately leading to the reign of his messianic kingdom, where “the government shall be upon his shoulder” like a kingly robe (Isa. 7:7). 

The nation of Israel has experienced godly kings like David, and several upright kings have ruled Judah. However, human rulers, even the best, come with shortcomings. But not this King. When he is crowned, he will rule “with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore” (Isa. 9:7). He will have authority over God’s people (Micah 5:2) and the entire world (Zech. 14:9). He will govern in God's sovereign strength and power (Isa. 9:7b).

Let’s examine the names Isaiah uses to describe this future King. 

Wonderful Counselor
Jesus came to earth to teach us how to live. He taught with clarity and power. He instructed us to love one another, forgive one another, and encourage each other. He counseled us on marriage, servant leadership, and godliness. However, his primary purpose was not merely to instruct us on how to live during our brief time on earth; Jesus came to teach us how to live forever!

Jesus was first introduced by John the Baptist, who said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). From the first day of his public ministry, Jesus was making his way to the cross. Humanity’s root problem is separation from God due to sin. Jesus came to provide the remedy. Although he did not sin, “he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). His clear counsel to us is this, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

And…it gets even better.

Not only did Jesus pay the penalty for our sins, but he sent “another counselor” to be with us forever. The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer to guide, comfort, convict, challenge, direct, and remind us that we belong to Jesus. What an amazing truth! The greatest Counselor lives within us, providing his guidance every moment of every day! Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor!

Mighty God
Jesus was not the Messiah the Jews were anticipating. They desired a dominant leader to free them from Roman oppression. They flocked to him for signs and miracles, but hanging helplessly on the cross is not what was expected from a man who claimed to be God. However, the resurrection changed everything! Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated humanity’s greatest enemy. “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26). Through his death, Jesus destroyed Satan, who had power over death. The work of Jesus on the cross breaks our chains of slavery to death (Heb. 2:14-15). Jesus is and always has been the Mighty God!

Everlasting Father
The Old Testament prophet Micah revealed that the One to be born in Bethlehem was the eternal God (Micah 5:2). The apostle John made it clear that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Paul wrote that Jesus was “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). The One who entered the world on that silent night was the Creator of all things—the King of Kings! In that stable in Bethlehem, Mary held the eternal God, the Everlasting Father! 

Prince of Peace
Blaise Pascal was a seventeenth-century French mathematician. Today, he is credited with providing the foundation for the modern computer. However, his influence was not only significant in the field of mathematics; he was also a philosopher and theologian. Addressing humanity’s inner spiritual cravings, Pascal wrote this in his book, Pensées:

What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words, by God himself.[1]

Maybe today you are seeking in vain to fill this “infinite abyss” in your heart. You are trying everything the world has to offer, but it leaves you feeling empty and hopeless. Let me introduce you to the One who can provide true joy—the only One who can satisfy the spiritual emptiness in your life. His name is Jesus, and he is what you have been looking for. He alone can give you peace with God because he is the Prince of Peace! 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Isaiah 9. Focus on our Anchor Point: Isaiah 9:6-7.

Talking to God: Thank God for Jesus and his continual work in your life.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God's Word. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Also, please let us know if you’d like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or desire spiritual counsel.

Every day is a day of spiritual renewal and refreshment.