28 June | EVERYONE
«For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.» Isaiah 9: 6
To understand today’s message, we need to know that chapter 9 is a continuation of the prophecy started in chapter 7 and continued in chapter 8. Harsh warnings and tender promises are interwoven in these two chapters. The promises are like rays of light that illuminate the threatening shadows over the rebellious people.
God denounces the sins of His people, but at the same time announces to them a deliverer who will relieve them of the suffering resulting from their disobedience and tells them that the calamity will not be as great as in times past. It will be reduced. There will be light, mainly in the dark regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, the provinces most threatened by the enemy.
The deliverer would be a child who would come to them in the person of Jesus. Only he could be called “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah emphasizes the fact that this child “is born unto us” and at the same time “is given to us.” He is human, because “unto us He is born,” but at the same time he comes from outside, because “unto us He is given.” He is divine.
He is fully human and divine at the same time. With his divine nature he reaches heaven and with his human nature he reaches us in the misery of sin in which we find ourselves. Jesus is the bridge, the reconciling agent who takes us back to the Father.
Take Action
In your dark hours, remember that the “Mighty God”, the Creator of the cosmos, became human and small for us. He incarnated in a tiny embryo to break our heart of stone. How can you not surrender to Him and desire a love like His? It is never too late to recognize that you need Jesus! Sing “A Child Is Born” (if possible, with your family).