One Name Won’t Do!
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
It was during the winter of 1864. The Confederate army of Robert E. Lee faced the Union divisions of General Ulysses S. Grant. Late one evening one of Lee's generals, Major General George Pickett, received word that his wife had given birth to a baby boy. Up and down the line the Southerners began building huge bonfires in celebration of the event. These fires did not go unnoticed in the Northern camps and soon a nervous Grant sent out a reconnaissance patrol to see what was going on. The scouts returned with the message that Pickett had had a son and these were celebratory fires.
Grant and Pickett had been contemporaries at West Point and knew one another well, so to honor the occasion Grant, too, ordered that bonfires should be built. What a peculiar night it was. For miles on both sides of the lines fires burned. No shots fired. No yelling back and forth. No war fought. Only light, celebrating the birth of a child. The birth of a son brought both peace and light to that dark winter’s night.
This morning, we too celebrate the birth of a child-Jesus Christ. Like the son born to Major General Pickett, the One whose birth we celebrate brings both light and peace. One difference; however, is that the light and peace Jesus brings are far more significant as they are eternal.
Last week, we considered how that on the heals of O.T. prophecies concerning coming judgment, the prophets announced God’s promise of future restoration. We see this pattern in the passage we will study this morning.
The coming Messiah will dispel darkness and gloom (9:1-2)
The Northern section of Israel (represented by the two tribal names of Zebulun and Naphtali) experienced distress under God’s discipline. In 732 B.C., Northern Israel was taken into captivity by the invading Assyrians as God’s judgment for the unfaithfulness of His people. The whole region was made subject to Gentile domination bringing them gloom and despair.
This darkness would not last forever. A great light would come to dispel it. Israel’s Messiah is that great light, dawning on those living in the land of the shadow of death. Matthew applies this passage to Jesus who began his teaching and preaching ministry in the very region Isaiah mentions in this prophecy (Matthew 4:13-16).
The coming Messiah will bring deliverance, great joy, and blessing to God’s people (9:3-5)
He will enlarge their territory
God promised Abraham and his descendants the blessing of land. God’s promise will be fulfilled when Messiah comes to rule.
He will increase their joy
God’s people will rejoice like reapers after a great harvest or like soldiers after a great military victory.
He will bring deliverance from their oppressors
Israel’s deliverance will be a supernatural work of God, not something the nation will be able to pull off by its own efforts. Israel’s present day attitude is that the country’s military might and diplomatic efforts will eventually ward off oppressors and bring lasting peace to the region. An Israeli soldier was once asked about his hope in a coming Messiah. His response was to pat the machine gun he was holding and say, “This is my Messiah.”
Israel will continue to be an embattled nation until her Deliverer comes. Lasting peace will not be the result of human might or military machines, but of the coming of Israel’s Messiah. He will shatter the yolks, bars and rods pagan, oppressive nations have put on the shoulders of His people. Implements of war will be destroyed when He brings about universal peace.
Isaiah 2:4- “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Did you notice that little phrase at the beginning of verse 4– “For as in the day of Midian’s defeat”? What happened in the battle against the Midianites? Gideon, with an army of only 300 men, an army that had been greatly reduced in number at the command of God, defeated the Midianites, whose troops could not be counted as they were as thick as locusts. How did this happen? The battle is the LORD’S. He brought victory and deliverance for His people. In the same way, the Messiah will bring Israel victory, not the nation itself.
The Coming Messiah will fulfill all prophetic expectations (9:6-7):
He is born a Child.
A child, a Son would be born into the nation of Israel as one of the covenant people. As Isaiah penned this prophecy of the birth of the Messiah, he probably thought He would come and establish His reign in one Advent. Like the other prophets, Isaiah was not aware of the significant time gap between the first and second time Christ comes to earth.
This is one of those instances about which the apostle Peter wrote:
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (1 Peter 1:10-11).
The gospel writer Luke announces the birth of the One of whom Isaiah prophesied:
Luke 2:11- “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”
As Isaiah predicted, the Messiah was born into this world a child. He came and was named Jesus as it was His purpose to save His people from their sins.
Jesus, the Messiah, came to this earth the first time wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. He offered the kingdom to His people, but they rejected Him. John 1:11- “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Jesus was born into this world, and came the first time to die–to die in our place to take upon Himself the penalty for our sins. He left this earth in a glorified resurrected body and is presently preparing a place for God’s children.
As Isaiah predicated, to us a son was born, to us a son was given. Just as sure as we are about the truth of this now historical fact we can be of the prophetic promise that He will come again to rule the world. When He comes a second time, He will come to rule. When Messiah reigns over His kingdom, He will effect the changes necessary so that prosperity and spirituality can come to the nation of Israel once again.
He will bear the world on His shoulders
Consider this fact. At the present time, there are 193 countries in the world. Think for a moment about all of the time, energy, and resources it takes our President to lead the government of our one country. He of course doesn’t govern alone. He has a 15 member cabinet to advise him. There are also those who serve on both the legislative and judicial branches of government. We haven’t even touched all of the staffers who make possible the work of these public figures. Then think of all of the state and local officials along with their staffs that are necessary to govern our country. Don’t forget about all of the police officers and military servants who are needed to protect us. All of this and more is needed to govern a single country. Imagine what it would take to govern the whole world.
The government will be on the shoulders of Messiah. In Isaiah’s day, Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. When Messiah comes, He will do it right. He will bring about the proper rule of not only God’s own people, but also of the entire world.
Christ will carry the world’s government–He is certainly capable of handling our concerns
Our load feels heavy and unbearable when we try to shoulder it on our own, but when we consider the power and ability of our Savior who will one day rule over all, suddenly our burdens seem lighter.
Life feels confusing and riddled with difficulty when we try to figure out on our own and make our next step in life. Oh the difference it makes when we submit to and follow the leadership of the One who will capably and perfectly lead the world in the Millennium.
He will be given not one, but four descriptive titles:
What is in a name? A person’s name had much more significance in Isaiah’s day than it typically does today. Names were more than a label. They were used to capture the character & accomplishments parents hoped their children would someday realize in their life.
Sometimes, when parents prepare to name a child, one name won’t do. Some children are given multiple names, usually as a way to honor other family members or significant friends of the family. Similarly, in the case of Messiah, giving Him just one name won’t do. However, there is a different reason for Messiah’s multiple names. Several names are needed to capture and describe Christ’s work and character. Even though Isaiah tells us four of the names Christ will be given, even these don’t capture all that Christ is. What will Christ be called?
“Wonderful Counselor”
The NIV has translated this first name or title of Messiah– “Wonderful Counselor.” When we think of our English word “counselor,” it brings forth thoughts and ideas that are different from what the Hebrew word communicates. I think the NET Bible better captures the meaning of this Hebrew term using our English word “strategist.” The strategy or plan of Messiah for His kingdom will be extraordinary. When Christ proclaims His purposes or designs for His reign, it will inspire wonder and amazement in the hearts of people. People will be glad to listen to Him as the Authoritative One.
It is not hard to imagine how people will respond to Jesus during His rule on earth in the future considering the response people gave to His teaching ministry while He lived on the earth. When Jesus spoke, it was different than anything people had ever heard before.
Mark 1:22– “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.”
While all were amazed at Jesus, not all were excited to hear what He had to say. The religious leaders rejected Him and wanted to get rid of Him.
Mark 11:18– “The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”
How should we respond to the counsel of God that was communicated by Jesus when He was on the earth the first time?
We should submit to the plans of our Wonderful Strategist
When Jesus reigns on earth, He will be called “Wonderful Strategist.” His plans and purposes will be regarded as extraordinary, wonderful, amazing. People will be glad to submit to His plan. As we consider His plans and purposes for our lives, do we regard Him to be our “Wonderful Strategist?” Are we eager to listen to and follow the plans of the authoritative One?
Woe to those who are like the leaders of Israel who reject Christ’s plans and pursue instead what they want to do.
We can count on Christ’s plans–they will stand–but plans made to oppose them won’t
Whose blueprint for life are we following–Christ’s or our own? If you are following your own, be warned.
Isaiah warns those who would oppose God’s people:
Isaiah 8:10- “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”
Isaiah warns those forming plans contrary to those of God:
Isaiah 30:1- “‘Woe to the obstinate children,’ declares the LORD, ‘to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sins upon sin.’”
How much better off we are when we follow the sure plan of Christ as opposed to striving after the plans we make in opposition to what Christ wants.
“Mighty God”
Having a wonderful, amazing plan for His reign is one thing, carrying it out is another. All of the things Isaiah proclaims Messiah will do requires divine power. No one else has been able to pull off completely all the following–enlarge the nation of Israel’s boarders, bring great rejoicing, deliver Israel from all her oppressors, bring world peace, and establish a reign perfectly characterized by righteousness and justice. Jesus not only possesses a wonderful plan for His reign, but because He is God, He has the power to do all God promised.
Jesus, the Messiah, is “Mighty God.” The fact Jesus is God is affirmed several places in the New Testament:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
“Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’ For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:17-18).
“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
Consider Thomas’ testimony after seeing the resurrected Christ, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
Not only is Jesus called God, but He also demonstrated the power of God. He displayed divine power by a number of miracles. He demonstrated His power over illness by healing the sick, causing the blind to see and the lame to walk. He demonstrated power over demons by demanding their exit from the bodies of the people they possessed. He demonstrated power over nature by commanding the stormy sea to be still. He demonstrated power over death by raising Lasarus from the grave. He demonstrated the power to change lives by bringing total transformation to many.
When Jesus lived on this earth, He completely fulfilled all of the expectations of the people concerning the Messiah in regards to the power He would possess.
Just as Jesus, the Messiah, displayed divine power as He is “Mighty God” when He came the first time, He will do the same when He comes again. He will have the power to do what many have tried, but none have accomplished. Think of all of the efforts and man hours that have been given to bring world peace without success. Jesus, Mighty God, will bring world peace. Think of all of the efforts that have been put forth to clean up legal systems so that they are more just and righteous. Jesus will bring perfect justice and righteousness when He rules. How will He do all this? He is “Mighty God.”
We can trust Christ to pull off God-sized feats in our life as He is and will be called “Mighty God”
His power is promised to us for the task of discipling and being a witness to people of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The Lord faithfully comes to the side of His servants to strengthen them for the task of proclaiming the gospel message (2 Timothy 4:17).
His power is promised to see us through times of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
His power is promised to enable us to do anything Christ has for us to do–His power can even help us to remain content if our situation is one of abundance or if we don’t know where our next meal is going to come from (Philippians 4:13).
“Everlasting Father”
Many are confused by this title that will be given to Messiah. They reason, “God’s Son is distinguished in the Trinity from God the Father. How can the Son be called ‘Father?’” This title is not stating that the Father and the Son are the same person. Rather, the title “Everlasting Father” is given to describe both the duration and nature of Jesus’ rule. The duration of Jesus’ rule will be forever. The nature of His rule will be fatherly.
Just as good fathers will exercise their leadership of the home by extending protective care to their children, Jesus will exercise fatherly, protective care over His people.
We can trust Christ always to be there to extend His fatherly, protective care of us
Earthly fathers let us down. Some dads are not good dads and make it hard for their children to understand how Jesus’ being like a father is a good thing. Other dads are good dads, but even they have moments when they don’t do all they should do to care for their kids. Even great dads can never promise their kids they will always be there as there are no guarantees in life. Jesus, who will be called Everlasting Father, will never let us down. We can always count on Him to be there to care for us in a fatherly way.
“Prince Of Peace”
When Jesus, the Messiah, reigns, there will be peace on this earth like no other time in world history since man’s fall into sin. The nations will no longer be at war as Christ will bring universal peace. Even animals that presently have an adversarial relationship will be at peace with one another (Isaiah 11:6-9). The best part about the peace Christ will bring is that it is the kind of peace that can only be experienced when God’s people are properly related to the Lord.
We can enjoy the peace with God Messiah brings, but only when we trust in Christ
The majority of people living today do not have peace with God. Why not? They are living in sin and because of their sin, they are objects of the wrath of God.
Romans 1:18 says, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” We are all born into this world as sinners who fall short of God’s glory and are therefore deserving of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23a). That is the bad news, but don’t despair. The Bible also shares some very good news.
The good news is that we can be delivered from God’s wrath and be made at peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us. Romans 5:8-9 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him.” Jesus died in our place and shed His blood as payment for our sins. It is only because of what Jesus did for us that we can be declared righteous before God and delivered from God’s judgment.
What response does God require of us if we are to enjoy the salvation and peace Christ made possible by His death?
We must come to the end of ourselves and thinking that we can make it to God on our own. We will never make it. Salvation from sin is not made possible by the good we do. We can never be good enough. Deliverance from God’s wrath and peace with God come through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I have a question to ask this morning-- “Are you at the place in your life where you are 100% confident you are going to heaven or would you say that is something you are working on?”
If you responded to my question, “I am working on it” your response reveals clearly the object of your trust. You are trusting in your works. I also know this about you–you do not have peace with God. Peace with God comes only through Jesus Christ and He provides it only to those who trust solely in Him. It is not by our works that we are saved. We can never make it to God by the works we do.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God and not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Today, you are faced with a choice. Will you trust in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life and peace or will you reject Him and continue under the wrath of God. John 3:36– “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
He will have an everlasting rule of peace and justice
Jesus’ rule will conform completely to God’s holy character and demands. He will uphold His kingdom with justice and righteousness. His reign will bring the peace that our world longs for.
You have heard the saying, “All good things must come to an end.” This is not the case with Messiah’s rule– “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” He will reign forever.
As we considered in our study of Chronicles, king David was given the following promise:
“I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you: When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever” (1 Chronicles 17:10b-14).
Messiah’s forever reign was promised to David and will be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
The fact that the predicted Messiah is Jesus Christ and that He will fulfill the promises made to David is clear from what the angel Gabriel said to Mary about God’s Son– “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33).
The coming of His kingdom depends on God, not Israel
God will zealously see that the kingdom comes and that Messiah rules. Without Christ’s intervention, there would be no kingdom for Israel. Messiah will bring all this to pass, not Israel.
Think of all of the frustration and turmoil Israel brought on herself by leaving God out and trying to accomplish on her own that for which she should have trusted in God. Before we go pointing at and criticizing the nation of Israel, we need to take a hard look at ourselves.
When we try to accomplish that which God said He will do, we will fail
When we trust God to do what He said He will do, we will enjoy God’s blessing
What are the implications of this passage for our lives today?:
For many, Christmastime is a time of struggle. Some wrestle with feelings of purposelessness. As they reflect on what they will write in their family Christmas letter, they feel like their lives are aimless and going nowhere. They long for a reason to get up and be excited at the dawn of each new day, but don’t know where to find it. They frantically go through the hectic pace of the Christmas season, attending parties and shopping till they drop and say, “Isn’t there more to life than this?”
When we feel like life has no purpose, the Wonderful Strategist offers an extraordinary plan for our life
Jesus has and will bring to fulfillment a wonderful plan for the future. He will establish His eternal kingdom that will be characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness. In the same way, Jesus has a wonderful plan for our lives here and now. His plan is that we would have an abundant life, full of peace, joy, and purpose. When we try to find’s life’s purpose apart from Him, we will continue to struggle. When we look for our purpose in Him, and trust in Him, we will not be disappointed.
For many, Christmas is a time characterized by feelings of helplessness. They consider the challenges and struggles of the upcoming year, and are overwhelmed. They think about the doctor’s report they have recently received and are scared. They consider the bills that are piled up on the desk , not knowing how they will ever get them paid.
When we feel helpless, the Almighty God offers His enabling power
If you are facing a physical calamity you don’t know how you will be able to manage, trust Jesus for His enabling power to see you through.
Perhaps there is a ministry challenge ahead of you that is overwhelming. Jesus empowers His servants to accomplish all the work He has for us to do. The One who has the power to rule the world certainly makes available all the power we need to reach the world with the gospel.
Maybe the pressure of finances is too much to handle. Trust Jesus that He will enable you to remain content with your means, whether you experience times of plenty or times of want in this new year. Trust Him that He will supply your every need (Philippians 4:19).
Christmas is also a lonely time of the year for people. They face personal crises that make them feel isolated. Perhaps you’re facing such a crisis. You may have a problem with your marriage, your children, your extended family, your finances, or your job. You may have a problem that is tearing your life apart inside, but nobody else knows about. Maybe your staring in the face the serious, fatal illness of a loved one. Perhaps you are struggling with how much you miss someone who passed away in the recent past.
When we feel lonely, the Everlasting Father offers His fatherly, protective care
Loneliness is only intensified when we try to handle our problems on our own. Instead of continuing to isolate ourselves and trying to manage without help, we need to run into the waiting, caring, protective arms of our Savior who will be called, “Everlasting Father.”
A lot of people feel anxious and fearful at Christmastime. They are anxious about what the next horrific headline will be in the newspaper. They are anxious about what will happen to them after they die. When they hear the words, “peace on earth,” they secretly wonder–Why am I experiencing everything but peace in my life?
When we feel anxious, the Prince of Peace offers His peace
Do you have peace with God? Maybe this morning, your answer is, “No, I don’t have peace. In fact, I am really scared of dying. I think about it a lot. I am afraid that after I die that I will be judged by God and face a horrible eternity without Him.” God’s Word contains some very good news for you. You don’t have to continue struggling with a lack of peace.
John 5:24 says, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has everlasting life and will not be condemned; he has crossed from death to life.”
When people trust Jesus’ message and all the Father revealed about Him, they have everlasting life. There is no need to fear death for those who believe in Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus also will not be condemned. There is no need to fear judgment for those who trust in Christ.
If you have never known what it was to have peace with God, trust in Jesus today as your Savior. Don’t think you have to be worthy enough for Jesus to accept you. You will never make it. Instead of worthless attempts at trying to be good enough, come to the end of yourself and thinking you can make it to God on your own, and trust in Jesus Christ as your only way to heaven, as the only one through whom we can have peace with God.