Read Isaiah 9:6-7
When my husband and I were expecting each of our three children, one of the exciting but daunting tasks was choosing their name—their forever identity. We did not find out the gender of our babies ahead of time which meant we had to have both a girl’s name and boy’s name chosen. Many parents pick names based on the meaning of the name—we picked names we could agree upon. Our boys each have a family name as part of their name. However, when we were expecting our third child, we were stuck. We had one girl’s name we were settled on but were still discussing boy names while I was in labor. Fortunately, we had a girl!
When choosing a child’s name, you are determining their most identifying feature. But we can’t know when a baby is born what their personality will be or who they will grow to become.
In Isaiah 9:6-7, we read the prophecy of the coming Messiah. 700 years before Jesus was born, long before Mary was alive or knew she was with child, it was written what the Messiah would be called and who He would be. Jesus would be a child born (fully human) and a son given (fully God). The perfect names for Jesus were already chosen and what he would accomplish on earth was already established.
We know that Jesus’ primary purpose on earth was to go to the Cross to pay the debt of our sins so we could have eternal life and a relationship with the Triune God. We now wait with longing for His second coming when He will establish His eternal kingdom and everlasting peace.
Philippians 2:10-11 says that God gave Jesus the name that is above every name; that every knee should bow, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Perfect names to describe our Messiah and Risen Lord.
For Reflection:
- While Jesus has many names and titles bestowed on Him, what does it mean to your life today that He is specifically called “The Prince of Peace”?
by Annalisa Siczka
