Everyone loves the Christmas season for different reasons, whether it be the gifts, carols, family gatherings, the food, or ugly festive sweaters. I for one always eagerly await this joyful holiday to hear one of my all-time favorite passages of Scripture—Isaiah 9:6-7 read in church, allow me to refresh your memory. Isaiah 9 contains the phrase, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” The passage is usually read in Christmas services and programs as a reminder that the Messiah's birth was necessary for him to act as mediator between us and God, and that is why the Son was given. While this is certainly true and deserves multiple "AMENS," the passage teaches us so much more than that!
Isaiah chapter 9:6-7 teaches the ongoing progression of Christ's government of peace and justice which began during his first coming.
The Apostle Matthew reveals the light of Isaiah 9:2 to be Jesus himself whose radiance would be manifested in his earthly ministry beginning in the region of Galilee. Matthew says that Jesus left Nazareth and withdrew into this region so that—what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matt 4:14-16).
The dawning of this light is shown in Jesus teaching the people of Galilee about the gospel of the kingdom and in him healing their sick, lame, and those oppressed by demons (Matt 4:23-24). As the long expected king, Jesus brought with him governing authority to alleviate those of their anguish, overturn their darkness, and began to multiply the number of citizens in his newly arriving kingdom (Matt 4:17, 25). The light that Jesus brings causes the Galileans to celebrate with joy. Isaiah illustrates this joy by comparing it to the positive feeling one experiences when dividing the plentiful abundance of spoils at harvest time (v.3), or to the joy experienced after the victory is won in battle.The people there are joyous because the past spiritual gloom is dispelled forever by the light who is Christ. This is all good news but Isaiah has more to say...
Up to this point in Isaiah 9, we know from Matthew's gospel that the restoration of Galilee is all rooted in Christ's first coming. The Galileans during this time did not have the New Testament, so how were they supposed to know when this restoration finally arrived? That is what verses 6-7 is all about. Isaiah tells of a coming ruler who would be born a child. This section announces the true source and channel by which restoration was to come to God’s people, again starting in Galilee.
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 (v.6).
This isn't at all referring to Christ's second coming, as some assert, because the restoration comes through a human-born child which corresponds to his first coming. Some extreme futurists have argued that the Messiah here is portrayed as sitting on the throne of David which they believe only happens after Jesus' second coming. The blessings of Isaiah 9 are a direct result from Jesus having been born a man so that he may live, teach, die, and be raised to deliver us from sin, and so these blessings are for us today. The government is said to be "upon his shoulder," Christ came to earth to take upon his shoulders the weight and responsibility of governing all that has been placed under his authority. (all of mankind)
Wonderful Counselor. A Counselor is a political rank; one who stands near princes and kings as their adviser. The Messiah rules by counseling subordinate kings on how to rule justly. His counsel is described as wonderful because he possesses all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge to make decisions in all the affairs of men.
Mighty God; A title for the Lord himself. Not only does the Messiah rule as a man, he rules as God possessing divine strength and power to accomplish his sovereign will
Everlasting Father. This title is not to be confused with the first person of the Trinity. (God the Father) Jesus is called father to convey the ideal task of king of kings which is to be a benevolent caretaker of his people. He will function this way for us forever (Matt 28:20), hence the title: Everlasting Father.
Prince of Peace. As ruler, he will bring peace because the nations will rely on his just decisions in their disputes and adhere to his law. Jesus would come to earth as a human to rule and reign to deliver mankind from the long experienced darkness and bring them into his kingdom of light.
Now we come to the climax of the prophecy. Israel had seen good kings come and go before—prosperity would come, all hell would break loose, and the cycle would continue. Will the Messiah's reign be any different? Yes. His reign will be something that no other ruler in all of history will ever be able to claim for themselves. It is said of the Messiah's rule: Isaiah 9:7 (NKJV) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.
How exactly will his government increase without end? He is increasing his heavenly kingdom with each new soul who dies to themselves and gives their life to be with Jesus. Men and women, children everywhere, would not only become citizens of Christ's kingdom, but his dominion would extend throughout all the earth, giving all invitation to all nations (people) to His will through the triumph of the saving gospel. Jesus was born, lived, died, and raised for our salvation and deliverance from sin, he has been given a kingdom which will never end, and will never stop growing!
As we progress into the Holiday Season remember... Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
Jesus loves you and so do I! And have a Merry Christmas! ~ Pastor Doug
