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. Next MIGHTY GOD on the second Sunday. Isaiah then describes the one-with-the-government-on-his-shoulders as the EVERLASTING FATHER.

Isaiah is NOT referring to this coming ruler’s place in the Trinity (for God is Father and Jesus is Son) nor that he has no beginning or ending (as we learn in the New Testament). Rather “everlasting” means “perpetuity, continuing future” and “father” is “Abba.”

Isaiah is saying that this government ruler will be a divine “Father of the Nation” into perpetuity.

• Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. (Isaiah 9:7)
• But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. (Matthew 2:6)

He is also fatherly: a protector, guide and model, and gentle provider. He is gracious, empathetic, and compassionate. He shows up. He disciplines fairly. He listens and prays for us. Bottom line, he loves us and will never give up on us—forever into infinity.

• I am the good shepherd; The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:11, 28)
• My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28–29)
• Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
• For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
• When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matt 9:36)
• I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:18)
• I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (John 5:30)
• Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
• Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1)

In sum: “This Child to be born will become a king who will be a father to the children of Israel—He will protect and provide for them. And His role as protector and provider will not be limited by aging or death. His role as father (protector and provider) will continue in perpetuity.” ¹

I am pondering Jesus’s many fatherly characteristics. Today I need his rest following a busy ministry season and his intercession as I face challenging demands.

There is no unfathering Christ, and there is no unchilding us…He is everlastingly a father to those who trust in Him. This morning you may have come here in trouble, but Christ is still your father. This day you may be much depressed in spirit and full of doubts and fears, but a true father never ceases, if he be a father, to exercise his kindness to a child, nor does Jesus cease to love and pity you. He will help you. Go to Him, and you shall find that loving friend to be as tender as in the days of His flesh.

Charles Spurgeon ²

The Government Ruler—Jesus—is a father forever.

What fatherly trait might you need from him today?

PRAYER

Everlasting Father, please shepherd me. Intercede for me and give me rest.

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¹ https://www.gotquestions.org/Everlasting-Father.html

² https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/revive-our-hearts/there-no-unchilding-you/

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

The next and final piece in this series is erroneously titled: Advent 2024 Fourth Sunday. I guess I got a head of myself. Read about the Prince of Peace.