Many soon-to-be parents take great care when choosing a name for their coming baby. Some wish to honor a dear relative or friend by naming the baby for them. Others page through baby name books, searching for a name that signifies something meaningful to them, or they pick a name that is special to their culture or heritage. Then there are those who just pick a name that is the latest fashion for boys and girls that year. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Isaiah, the prophet shares some names that the Messiah was given, in addition to His regular given Name. Let’s take a look at what Isaiah has to share with us today.
First, before Isaiah introduces us to the special Names that the Messiah is called by, he tells us that the Messiah will be a great light to enlighten those who are in darkness (vs. 2). Jesus is this great light that Isaiah prophesied about. He is the Morning Star (Revelation 22:16). We call the planet Venus the morning star. Sometimes, when the season is right and the sun is just below the eastern horizon ready to rise and start a new day, it’s brilliant light will reflect off of the planet Venus, making it one of the brightest lights in the sky, ushering in the dawn from the night, just as Jesus did. Jesus keeps us from falling into the darkness of false teachings and evil.
Jesus is the Light who shines on everyone living in the shadow of death. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin (John 8:34-36). The darkness of our souls is much more dangerous than a temporary power outage. When power goes out in a home, we may stumble around in the dark, and perhaps knock into things, getting some bruises. If one remains in spiritual darkness, they risk eternal damnation. Spiritual darkness brings with it fear, hurt, and hopelessness. It brings with it the sins of lies, gossip, backstabbing, cheating, violence, and hatred. Jesus came into this darkness as the Light of the world (John 8:12), with knowledge, truth, righteousness, hope, and life. His coming as the Messiah brings light to remove the darkness of the captivity to sin that Satan has us held by.
Isaiah continues on in our passage, and now shares several names and qualities that the Messiah had (vs. 6). First, he relates how the Messiah would come and be born as a child. He did not just appear as an adult, nor was the role or position of Messiah given to someone as an adult. The first Name here that is given is that of Wonderful, someone who is filled with wonder and awe, a marvelous person. People will often, when speaking of someone they love, say they are wonderful. They think that person is the best. That would certainly describe Jesus! He is exceptional, distinguished, without peer.
Jesus is called our Counsellor, one who advises and gives counsel. When we have a problem or an issue, we often go to someone we think is wise, and seek their advice about what to do. Jesus is certainly the first and best one we should seek counsel from. He gives wise and right counsel for every area in our life (John 14:16-17). Isaiah next calls Him the Mighty God. This is another verse that reaffirms the deity of Jesus. He wasn’t just a man who came to fill the role of Messiah. He was and is God incarnate, God who became man, born as a baby into this world that He, Himself had created.
Jesus is also described as the Everlasting Father, the Father of Eternity. He, alone, is the source of eternal life. He is timeless and He will care for His people. He is a ruler whom His people will look to in very personal terms, a “father”. Jesus is no mere earthly ruler. His reign is everlasting. Any ruler, whether king or president, does not have to treat his subjects as though he were their father, but a ruler who truly cares for his subjects will show that love. Jesus’ reign will be both protecting and providing, like a father. Jesus is the Everlasting Father - a powerful protector and perfect provider.
Lastly, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. The word “peace” or shalom in Hebrew means well-being, flourishing, and wholeness. Sin made us enemies with God. Jesus made peace possible with God (Romans 5:1). Sin has broken human relationships. Jesus has made peace possible with others. Those who trust in Jesus for salvation have God’s favor. On our own, peace is unattainable. That is why Jesus came. He is the Mighty God who will be a benevolent ruler, bringing eternal peace on earth. His government is one of justice and peace (John 14:27).
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