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 (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Through Nathan the prophet, God assures David that his house, kingdom, and throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Although the kingdom is eventually divided, Isaiah’s prophesy is a reminder that God is faithful and will fulfill his promise. He uses four names to describe a future davidic king found in Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Wonderful Counselor— No one wants a mediocre counselor! God gives his Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to dwell with us and in us (John 14:17). “He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29).
Mighty God— His power and majesty are beyond compare and this mighty God rejoices over us! “O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them” (Psalm 89:8–9). “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love”(Zephaniah 3:17).
Everlasting Father— Even the best dad on earth falls short of being a perfect father like God is, and he is everlasting. This means means that his love, peace, mercy, joy- everything about his character- is everlasting as well. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2).
Prince of Peace— He came to bring us peace by trading our sin for his righteousness. He IS peace. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:19–20).
Thank you for being a perfect king. We look forward to the day when you have perfect reign in a perfect kingdom. Until then, we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
