My Advent ponderings this year are inspired by my recent study of Isaiah and one of the most beloved descriptions of the character of the Messiah.

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

The first Sunday, I pondered WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. Isaiah next describes this Son-given-to-us as the MIGHTY GOD.

Since Isaiah uses the generic word for God—el—signifying deity. “Mighty” means what we would think it does—strong, valiant, brave—and implies a warrior, a hero, or champion.

• A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God. (Is 10:21)
• The LORD will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. (Is 42:13)
• Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. (Ps 24:8)

Isaiah rightly identifies this son-given-to-us as God himself. Jesus himself claimed to be God: “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:30). His disciple Thomas, called him “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28). The writers of the New Testament said the Son is “the image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15) and “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Heb 1:3).

This is the Jesus his mother Mary referenced in her powerful song, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name … He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (Lk 1:49, 51–52).

Commentator David Guzik sums it like this, “The Messiah is Mighty God: He is the God of all creation and glory, the LORD who reigns in heaven, the One worthy of our worship and praise.” ¹

Because Jesus is God, he is not merely a good example for me to follow. He’s greater and stronger than anyone else. I constantly turn to him to empower me to serve global workers, listen to hard stories, love and forbear those who irritate me, forgive the ones who wound me, and keep going even as my body wears out. I rely on him to fight against the spiritual forces of evil (1 Jn 3:8).

“When we need strength, let us remember that he is Mighty and Strong.”

John Calvin ²

The Son—Jesus—is a warrior God!

How might you need his divine strength?

PRAYER

Mighty God, when I face an impossible challenge, I will trust you to be my champion and perform mighty deeds for me (and for all who meed rescuing). Teach me to be strong in you and your mighty power (Eph 6:10).

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¹ https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/isaiah-9/

² https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/isaiah-9/

All scripture is from the New International Version with emphasis added.