What's in a Name?

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

Every new parent knows the responsibility and finality of producing a name for their child. With the mere stroke of a pen on a legal document that infant will be inextricably linked to a name. It becomes the primary identifying characteristic of that child.

What if that child is God?

Through the voice of his prophet, God makes a bold declaration of what the Redeemer will be called.

Wonderful Counselor. The wisdom that proceeds from the mind and mouth of the messiah will simply be wonderful. His wealth of knowledge will be enough to provide design throughout the largest of galaxies and the smallest of cells as well as insight into the soul of every being. Nothing will be beyond his divine comprehension.

Mighty God. He will be a king whose power knows no limits. With the mere words of his mouth he will conquer kingdoms, raise the dead to life, and speak stars into existence. In his might alone, he will bring final victory in the battle over sin and death. God alone can possess this kind of power, and this child will indeed be divine.

Everlasting Father. He will be faithful forever to his role as provider, protector, and nurturer. He will be the father to the fatherless, the great comforter to all who call on his name. There will never be a cessation of his position as the great patriarch of his people.

Prince of Peace. His divine monarchy will be one free of conflict, anxiety, war, turmoil, strife, and restlessness. Under his rule, his people will finally and forever experience peace. Most significantly, he will end the war of all wars, the great rebellion of his people against himself. This peace will be won as he lives rightly, dies sacrificially, and rises victoriously.

Through it all, he will bear the name that is above every name.

His name is…Jesus.

Starter Prayer:
Jesus,
You have been given the name that is above every name. Thank you for being perfect in wisdom, power, compassion, and peacemaking. Help me to always trust in your good character. Help me to live my life in such a way that your name will be glorified in the things I say and do.
Amen.