His name is Wonderful
A song caught my attention the other day – – a song about my favourite person and one of my favourite verses: Isaiah 9:6
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. (Isaiah 9:6)
I remember being struck by this verse when I first became a Christian. That Christmas – everything felt completely new! I had personally met the One whom Isaiah was writing about. Isaiah’s prophecy was still exciting 2700 years later.
Some Bible translations put a comma in the line “And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor”. I like that – He will be called Wonderful… comma/pause… Counselor… comma/pause… Mighty God.
I’m a fan of the Message version too
For a child has been born – for us!
the gift of a son – for us!
He’ll take over the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
Isn’t that a relief – “He’ll take over the running of the world!” Thank you Jesus!
“He will be called/His names will be…”
Jesus has a lot of names. Why so many?
The Israelites often chose names for their children based on the child’s character or appearance, i.e. Esau (hairy), Jacob (to follow/to supplant), and God changed Abram’s name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).
Jesus’ name is also intentional and prophetic. It’s to help us understand Him better. A constant reminder of who He is and His purpose. I need this reminder because I can forget.
Matthew 1:21 & 23
21 “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” …
23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Below is a list of a few of Jesus’ names. Would you read through them and after each one pause, focus on Jesus and what the name means to you?
He will be called:
Wonderful (pause)
Counselor (pause)
Mighty God/ Strong God (pause)
Everlasting Father / Eternal Father (pause)
Prince of Peace / Prince of Wholeness (pause)
Immanuel / God with us (pause)
Life / Life Giver (pause) (John 6:35, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 10:10)
Freedom / The One Who Sets us Free (pause) (John 8:36)
Hope (pause) (Romans 15:13, 1 Tim. 1:1)
Holy One / Worthy One (pause) (Rev 5:12)
Saviour / My saviour (pause)
1.What other names come to mind as you think about Jesus?
2.What name feels most resonates with you in this season? Why?
3.What name of Jesus feels the most distant in this season? Why?
4.What name of Jesus do you long to know/experience better? Why?
He is never changing so these names still hold true today! He came to earth to reveal Himself – He won’t stop now. Ask Him.
Thank you Lord that Your character is unfailing and never changing. Thank you that You want to be known and You reveal yourself to us. Lord, help us know the ‘true You’ more deeply.
This is the song that caught my attention
His name is wonderful – Chris Tomlin – https://youtu.be/IUhJNA0XGqc
This song stays at the top of my playlist! Turn up the volume and praise Him!
Love the focus on the majesty of Jesus our wonderful Saviour