The coming king...

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.

While this is a passage we traditionally read and recall at Christmas time, it is far more prophetic of the Messiah's second coming. This is a prophesy of hope and promise for both Israel and the church; pointing to a time when God will reign and rule over all creation.

"A child is born" speaks of the fact that the messiah would be human. This was necessary because only a human could pay for the sins of humanity. Furthermore, God promised that an heir of David would sit on his throne forever (2 Sam. 7:15-16).

"A Son is given" speaks of His deity. This Son would not be the result of human decision or initiation, but divine gifting. The Son of promise reminds us of the first prophesy concerning the Messiah and His responsibility to restore creation to proper order (Gen. 3:15).

"The government" here is singular. Under the Messiah's reign, there is one King, one kingdom, one law and one order. The Messiah will be not only establish this, but will also sustain it; it will be "upon His shoulders."

"Wonderful Counselor" begins to describe His reign. He will rule with perfect prudence and wisdom. This makes me think of Solomon and all his wisdom. The Messiah will rule with greater wisdom than Solomon, perfect knowledge and wisdom.

"Mighty God" speaks to the Messiah King's military might and strength to establish and sustain His kingdom. This reminds me of Saul, Israel's first king whom everyone thought would be a mighty warrior and king since he was a head taller than any other man (1 Sam 9:2). The Messiah is mighty not in stature but in power. His strength is not in the sword alone, but in the Lord.

"Everlasting Father" describes the perfect and inexhaustible provision that Messiah would bring. Like a father provides for his family, so does the Messiah provide for His people, yet without limits. This reminds me of the exodus and God's leadership through Moses. Under His leadership, Israel lacked nothing (Nehemiah 9:21). Yet, when the Messiah reigns, there will be no end to such provisions, they will be everlasting.

"Prince of peace" is a declaration that the Messiah is both the rightful heir of the throne of David as well as the right heir who will provide perfect peace. In 1 Chronicles 22:9, the Lord says to David, "But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign." This was true of Solomon for a season and will be true of the Messiah forever.

What a prophesy! What fulfillment!

Lord, come quickly and establish Your kingdom. Amen.