Read
Isaiah 9:2-6
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
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 Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflect
There are few things as powerful as a name. Whether it’s one given by your parents or a nickname that serves as a term of endearment, names hold meaning for us. They provide identity and definition. They clarify to whom you are speaking. They indicate a direct connection between the one saying the name and the one whose name is being called upon. Names matter.
How amazing, then, that we who believe has such a wealth of names by which we know our Savior. This passage in Isaiah provides just a few but each one is rich in meaning – Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace!
These names are not happenstance. Each one offers a distinctive insight; it sheds light on the character and power of our Lord. He is WONDERFUL (remarkable, excellent) COUNSELOR (advocate, guide). He is MIGHTY (powerful, strong) GOD (Almighty, Lord). He is the EVERLASTING (eternal, unending) FATHER (parent, loving presence). He is the PRINCE (ruler, sovereign) of PEACE (harmony, reconciliation)
There are so many ways to call upon Him; one or two names could never suffice. The names we use remind us of who He is. May these draw us closer to our Lord.
Pray
Great Father, thank you for the beauty of language and the meaning of words, especially names. Thank you that you have provided a deep, rich, and colorful array of names that we can use to call upon you. This day, open our eyes to see how you are a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Melissa Jenkins