For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. Isa. 9:6
Lord Jesus, I found myself humming “Joy to the World” yesterday. Not because I’m ready for Christmas, but because I’m thankful everything in this passage is true, and I’m ready for it to be realized in fullness.
The government of the entire cosmos is already sitting squarely upon your strong and loving shoulders. Nothing happens apart from your sovereign discretion, doing, and delight.
You are Wonderful Counselor—that is, our wisdom from God, our righteous, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). There is no salvation apart from you, Jesus. It’s the Gospel, or despair.
You are Mighty God—eternally one with the Father, co-equal, co-glorious, along with the Holy Spirit. There is nothing you can’t do; and you’re presently at work in all things for our good.
You are Everlasting Father—the Son who perfectly reveals the Father’s image and riches to us. Because of your finished work, we’ve been adopted into God’s family; and enjoy all the rights and delights of belonging to Abba.
You are Prince of Peace—our peace with God, our heart-peace, our peace in every storm. Right now, on this first day of July 2020, your Kingdom of peace is growing everywhere—undaunted by this stubborn virus, laughing at the huffiness and hubris of world politics (Psalm 2); passionate for your glory, and generous with your grace.
Jesus, you are making all things new, redeeming your every-nation Bride, and beautifying everything on your schedule (Eccl. 3:11). Through you, justice and righteousness are coming to every place where sin and death have done their worst. So very Amen, period!
