Day 10 - Is God Hard To Understand?
- Pastor b.Side
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
This verse is often read at Christmas to learn about Jesus' birth. However, this prophecy involves more work from God than just His incarnation. While the Bible shows that God is often referred to by many titles, notice how the first title He states He would be called when describing Jesus’ birth and purpose is “Wonderful.” This means that Jesus is full of wonder, or, more accurately, difficult to comprehend. What is it about Jesus that’s so difficult to understand?
“Unto us a Child is born…”
First, the text states that a Child would be born. God indicated that a specific person—here referring to the Messiah of Israel—would be born as a human being. Isaiah 7:14 also mentions that this same Messiah would be born of a virgin woman. Next, God said, “A Son is given.” This is an idiom referring to adoption. The term “Son” here signifies an heir. The Child would inherit, specifically through adoption. Since Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary as a virgin, Joseph had no blood relation to Him. However, since Mary and Joseph eventually married, Joseph legally adopted Jesus as his son. This makes Jesus a unique human, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and adopted as an heir of Joseph. An heir to what?
“The government will be upon His shoulder…”
Isaiah’s prophecy states that the government will rest on the shoulders of the Messiah. This stems from God’s promise to King David regarding the throne He would establish through David’s descendants. God promised that the KING of kings, whose kingdom would have no end, would come from David’s bloodline. While both Mary and Joseph were relatives of King David, Joseph’s family was a direct descendant of David’s sons, who were kings. By adopting Jesus, Joseph granted Him the legal right to David’s throne, fulfilling the Father’s covenant with David – establishing a throne of righteousness in Israel to govern the entire world in peace.
“And His name will be called Wonderful…”
Jesus’ birth circumstances prove He is God. No other human has ever experienced the involvement of the Father and the Spirit in their birth to the degree that Jesus did. When Jesus came into the world, people marveled at His understanding and teaching of scripture. They referred to Him as “Rabbi” or “Teacher,” fulfilling the role of Counselor. His miracles demonstrated that He possessed the same attributes as the Mighty God. His resurrection confirmed that He had the same eternal nature as the Everlasting Father. He is uniquely qualified to administer the peace of God as the scriptures promised. Can anyone truly understand how God worked through all the variables of life for nearly 700 years to produce these results perfectly? Of course not, but that’s the incredible nature of God and His love!
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, we are grateful for the scriptures and Your Spirit that help us know You, even though it is difficult to understand fully. Forgive us for the times we have thought less of You or when we have presumed to know more than we do. Help us to humble ourselves before You so that You may use us as servants for the kingdom of peace You will bring into this world soon. Guide us to live according to the standards of Your righteousness and peace by the power of Your Spirit. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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