This month, my blogs will focus on the prophecies of the coming Messiah, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and a few specific individuals and the roles they played in this first advent. After the fall of man, God intervened with His redemptive plan. Genesis 3:15 states, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This is the first time the promise of a Saviour is mentioned in the Scriptures.
Scripture: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Observation: Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet who lived approximately 700 years before Jesus was born. In his book, Isaiah writes a prophecy regarding the coming Messiah during a time when the nation of Israel was struggling spiritually. During the Assyrian threat, Isaiah urged the kings under whom he served to trust God for victory, but they did not. Israel is nearly spiritually bankrupt, choosing to continue to worship and serve idols. Isaiah is trying to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord. He has already given a prophecy regarding the miraculous birth of the coming Messiah in 7:14. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” However, like the kings, the people remain unfaithful to the Lord.
Application: While Isaiah is writing to the nation of Israel, Jesus came into our world for everyone. John 3:16 records, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You and I are the “whosoever” in this verse. 1 John 1:14 states, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” God sent His Son for all of humanity to reconcile us to Himself.
One amazing thing I noticed when reflecting on today’s verse is that this “son” that was given is described by Isaiah in three ways. His use of names includes all three persons of the Godhead in his description:
- Wonderful, Counsellor – Holy Spirit
- Mighty God, everlasting Father – God the Father
- Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ
There are other names for Jesus throughout the Bible such as the Emmanuel, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega… the list goes on and on. For me, my favorite name for Jesus is Saviour! He died on the cross that I might have life! O, what a wonderful Saviour is my Jesus! Truly, He is the best Christmas gift ever!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You so much for sending us Your precious Son, Jesus, to be our Redeemer and Saviour. How great is Your love for us! I am so glad that You’ve adopted me into Your family, and I am a “joint-heir” with Jesus! Thank You so much for the realization that every prophecy regarding Jesus’ birth was fulfilled. Your Word is truth! Keep my heart, soul, and mind focused on Jesus and the reason why He left the glory of heaven to come to this sinful world… to save me from my sins and give me a home in heaven. Thank You so much! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end.
By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number, Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.
(from “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley)
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“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23