His Name Shall Be …

by George Slover

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” (Isaiah 9:6).

The names of Christ reveal the various aspects of his nature and character. By meditating on all of them, we get a complete picture of his excellence.

His name shall be called Wonderful. He is wonderful in his relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit in his preexistence before the creation of the world. He is wonderful as the creator of this world and all things. He is wonderful in his patience with mankind, revealing himself in a marvelous way and offering redemption. He is wonderful as he lived in this world so perfectly, and gave himself sacrificially.

His name is Counselor. Jesus is the unerring source respecting the purpose of life, the secret of true success, and the answer to our eternal destiny. He presides over the world and directs all of its affairs (Proverbs 8:12-30). He is the true light (John 1:9). His word is truth (John 14:6).

His name is Mighty God. The son of God is himself God. The Messiah’s mission is to redeem man from sin, to conquer death, and to triumph over Satan. This can only be accomplished by God. The son of God is God, the mighty one.

His name is Everlasting Father. This title seems to give us some problems, for how can the son also be the father? The term “father” connotes such notions as a provider, protector, and creator. The Messiah bears all of these traits because he is God. Several New Testament passages affirm this truth (John 14:7-11; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:1-4).

His name is Prince of Peace. A prince is someone who bears rule or regal authority. However, in the Messiah, there is peace not accomplished with physical swords and armies. Instead, he uses the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10) to work on human hearts. When the Lord’s intended target yields to him, the product is beautiful. When the Messiah removes the enmity between God and the sinner, there is a calm in the soul of each recipient, and the traits of social concord (patience, forbearance, courtesy, and love) all manifest themselves.

Taken in connection, these five names summarize the nature of the Messiah, his character, his wisdom, and his love. These names, though spoken in the past, should promote a present reverence and trust in Jesus.

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