Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV): 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.
This verse has been prophesied by the prophet Isaiah some 700 years before Jesus (Yeshua, i.e. Salvation, Savior) came on earth (John 1:14). There is also no other name by which one is saved, but by the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
People of God, not only was He born to this world, but He was also born to die for us.
He was born to suffer and die, so that you may have life (see John 3:16).
He was born to carry all your sins, so that you may become the righteousness of God in Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).
He was born to carry all your curse, reproach, shame, and beatings, so that you may have all His blessings, shalom peace, and goodness (see Galatians 3:13).
He was born to be stripped of everything, so that you may have abundance in every good thing (see 2 Corinthians 8:9).
He was born to be wounded, smitten, and stricken, so that you may have His healing, comfort, and health (see Isaiah 53:3-5).
There was such great 'exchange' when He died on the cross for you some 2,000 years ago. And these are the reasons why He came!
That's why the Bible says 'unto us, He was born!' (Isaiah 9:6) Those who walked in darkness have now finally seen the 'great light' (Isaiah 9:2). He is also the Word became flesh (John 1:14), and the psalmist wrote 'the entrance of His Word brings light' (see Psalm 119:130).
The Bible also says 'those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined (Isaiah 9:2). He has indeed broken every yoke and burden, even the rod of the 'oppressor'! (Isaiah 9:4) Praise God! And it's on this very background of Isaiah 9:1-5, comes Isaiah 9:6-7!
And His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
"Pastor, what's so important about a name?"
It means everything! In fact, the word 'name' in 'Hebrew' is 'shem', which means 'character, authority, or fame'. It means a 'name' carries one's character, authority, or even fame! Take prophet Isaiah for example. His name is pronounced 'Yesha Yah' in Hebrew, which means 'Yah has saved'. 'Yah' is the name of God (i.e. the redemptive name of God), while 'Yesha' means 'save, set free, set at liberty, deliverance'. True enough, God used this prophet greatly to prophesy the coming of the Savior! You see, your 'name' carries your character, authority, and even fame!
Now that you know His name also means His 'character, authority, or fame', 1 John 4:17 also says 'as He is, so are you'. As a believer of Christ, you are after His seed, i.e. His spiritual DNA. There's no mistake about it. And because you are after His kind, you can also say: "As His character, authority, and fame is, so am I!" You know what? It runs in your 'blood'! It runs in your 'DNA'! Now, people of God, this is the best gift you can ever receive, and this is also supposed to be your best present of all! So, receive all that is 'Him' in your life right now, knowing that not only is He living in you, but His name, His character, His authority, and His fame is also living in you today! Wow! Praise God!
Let me define each of these 5 names of Jesus:
1. Wonderful ('Pele' in Hebrew = miracle, marvelous, greatness)
2. Counselor ('Yaats' in Hebrew = guide, advise, purpose)
3. Mighty God ('El Gibbor' in Hebrew = strength, excellence, champion)
4. Everlasting Father ('Abba Ad' in Hebrew = eternity, without end, advancement)
5. Prince of Peace ('Sar Shalom' in Hebrew = peace, wellness, wholeness)
All the above are His presents for you today. So, go ahead! Take it, and receive all that He has given you! Here are some examples:
Receive your miracle today!
Receive His marvelous work in you today!
Receive His purpose for you today!
Receive the DNA of a champion today!
Of course, receive His eternal life today, if you have not!
And the list goes on. Amen!
Interestingly, there are 5 names here, and the number '5' in Hebrew is also the number of God's grace. The Bible says, 'Grace and truth came through Jesus' (see John 1:17). Jesus is indeed God's grace and truth personified!
Finally, Isaiah 9:7 says, 'Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end..." The word 'government' here is 'misrah' in Hebrew, which means 'kingdom, empire', from the root word meaning 'prevail, victory, power'. You know what? It means 'of the increase of His prevailing power & victory, there will be no end'. Great is the Lord!
The kingdom of God is definitely advancing in our time, and you, His people, are in it together. Praise God! And nothing's going to stop Him. No evil, no forces of darkness, and no oppression can, both in this time, and forever (see Isaiah 9:7). That's who He is, the Great 'I AM' (Exodus 3:14), and the possessor of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19). He will continue to advance until the whole earth is filled with His light (see Habakkuk 2:14). And 'the zeal of the Lord of hosts (Himself) will perform this' (Isaiah 9:7). Hallelujah!
People of God, remember as He is, so are you too! So, not just as a people, but as an individual, you too will also be increasing and advancing in His victory, power, and peace as well. Believe for it, and you'll receive. Amen!
Note: Some may ask, "Was Jesus really born on 25th December?" To me, any celebration when Christ is exalted (and no other name is), we will celebrate, whether it's in December, or March, or September, or October, or any other month! Any celebration that exalts the name of Jesus (and only Him), we are for it. In fact, whenever we meet as a church (i.e. a people) any time during the year, it should also always be full of Jesus. His name is what matters.
For the record, Jesus was more likely born during autumn (i.e. during Sukkot's season in September/October) than during winter (i.e. during Hanukkah's season in December). In other words, He was probably conceived in December, and about 9-10 months later, He was born.
