“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6
December 14, 2022
The puzzling portrait of the coming Messiah is painted progressively in the Old Testament. But no prophetic artist saw and painted as much as Isaiah did. There is good reason to be joyful about the birth of the baby Jesus. The third name ascribed to Him is “Eternal Father.” How paradoxical it is to see Israel’s Messiah as a child and at the same time eternal, an infant who is infinite. Infinite Fatherhood, the one who is eternally a father. Israel needed to know, as we do, that we have the promise of unending fatherly care. “Like as a father who has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him” (Psa. 103:13). How often do we hear about the fatherhood deficit that exists in our nation. It is posited as at the root of so many men incarcerated in prisons, crimes committed by young males, and shipwrecked families. No government agency, unlimited therapists, and well meaning social programs can make up for the break down in the creation order. The only true hope is our Creator as Father. Jesus said, “If you knew me, you would know my Father” (Jn. 8:19). Do you know God as your Father? No one comes to the Father but through Jesus, who then becomes our Eternal Father.
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“O Father in heaven above, you have been a comfort in all my sorrows and always true to your Word. Where would I be without you? But I know where I am with you. You are always trustworthy.”