Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The government will be upon His shoulder"
Text: Isaiah 9:6
THE NAME OF THE MESSIAH
Every child is given a name. The Messiah was given the name “Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). But that would not be His only name!
“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
1. The significance of children:
a) To the parents.
b) For the future.
c) A child can grow up and become a person of great significance.
d) The birth of the Messiah is the focus here.
2. The significance of a name.
a) Personal significance
i) For identification.
ii) To express joy for the parents.
iii) And hope of the future for the child.
b) Symbolic significance
i) If the child is special.
ii) A special word from God may be given.
3. The significance of the Messianic Child.
a) He will be given the reins of the government.
b) Upon His shoulder would be the rule of the nation.
c) This was a prophetic word concerning the Messiah. He was born to rule!
4. The titles of the Messiah.
a) The word “name” here means a title.
b) The Messiah would have many titles given to Him.
5. Great symbolic significance
a) “Wonderful”
i) The father of Samson was called Manoah.
ii) He met the Angel of the LORD and asked to know His name.
iii) The Angel of the LORD replied.
“Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”
Judges 13:18
iv) The Messiah’s name is truly “Wonderful”.
b) “Counselor”
i) He would give wonderful counsel.
ii) His counsel would come from the Word of the LORD.
iii) His counsel would reflect deep wisdom.
c) “Mighty God”
i) The Messiah would be the Son of Man.
ii) He would also be the Son of God.
iii) He is the Mighty God in His own right.
d) “Everlasting Father”
i) The title “Father” is given to one who is called Teacher or Master.
ii) The Messiah would bring many to salvation and teach them.
iii) He will bear this title of “Everlasting Father”.
iv) But He is distinguished from the LORD as Father.
v) It takes much wisdom to discern the distinction between Father and Son.
e) “Prince of Peace”
i) He will bring peace as the conquering and ruling Messiah.
ii) This title is righty given to the Messiah.