Many parents take special care when selecting the name of their child. Often the child is named after their parent, grandparent, or some other favorite relative or friend. If that isn’t the case, then they take into consideration what the name means, besides just how it sounds, hoping the child might personify some part of that meaning. No one wants to pick a name that means “village idiot” or “fat and ugly”. As the child grows older, often they are given nicknames. Sometimes they are shortened forms of a longer name, and other times the nickname comes from some characteristic they have.
The Lord Jesus was given His Name from the angel Gabriel when the angel appeared to His mother Mary (Luke 1:31), and also when an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream about the child (Matthew 1:20-21). The name Jesus means “God saves”, which is exactly what He does, He saves us from our sins and eternal separation from God. However, there are some other names that have been given to Jesus, several of which are in our Scripture for today.
The prophet Isaiah gave numerous prophecies pertaining to the Lord Jesus, several regarding His birth, and our Scripture passage highlights some names that were given to the Messiah centuries before His birth. As our Scripture opens, Isaiah foretold that the Savior would come as a child, born into this world (vs. 6). As the prophet said, this Child was given to us, a gift from God to mankind, bringing the gift of salvation to all who accepted Him (John 3:16).
Then follows several names or titles that are given to the Messiah. Each of these has significant meaning. The first is “Wonderful”. This comes from the Hebrew word “pele”, which means wonder and marvel. This is something that is full of wonder, something that causes us to marvel. God’s act of redemption by sending His only begotten Son is something wonderful and marvelous!
Jesus was also given the name of “Counselor”. A counselor is a special person who gives specific advice in areas they are trained in. A president or prime minister will have several counselors who advise them in areas of defense, economics, etc. People go to counselors for mental health problems, or for help and advice with their marriage. There are counselors at schools and some places of employment. Jesus is the best Counselor we could ever have, and we can and should go to Him for help all the time, as He is the source of wisdom and guidance.
The next name and title is “Mighty God”. This name affirms the deity of Jesus, recognizing Him as God Incarnate. Many people thought that the Messiah would be an ordinary person whom God would raise up to deliver the people of Israel from the Romans and any other power who dominated them. However, Jesus is God, divine, the second Person of the Trinity.
Continuing with the names given to Jesus in this Scripture, we have “Everlasting Father”. Here He is called the Everlasting Father, and earlier in the verse He was called a Son. Jesus Himself stated that “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30). He shares the same divine nature and essence with God the Father, from all eternity past and forward. And as a loving father, He cares for His people.
The last name and title given here is “Prince of Peace”. Jesus was born as our Prince of Peace. The word “peace” is “shalom” in Hebrew, and it means well-being, flourishing, and wholeness. Because sin had made us enemies of God, Jesus made possible peace with God (Romans 5:1). He brings peace between God and humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Sin has broken human relationships, but Jesus has made possible peace with others.
The prophecy of Isaiah continues in verse 7. It speaks of an everlasting kingdom established by the Messiah. This is a fulfilment of God’s promise to David that his throne would be established forever through Jesus. His reign will be characterized by justice and righteous judgment. God is committed to fulfilling His promises and bringing about His redemptive plan.
In closing, as we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, we can meditate on these names and titles given to Him, recognizing and worshiping Him as the divine Messiah. We can trust God to fulfill all of His promises to us, and live in peace and righteousness.
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