Our oldest son decided when he was younger to memorize all the street names we pass on the way to and from school. Ever since that day he has recited them. He can say them forwards, backwards, in alphabetical order, and even with his eyes closed! This “talent” he’s developed is remarkable to us and it has even grown to become a passion for him to know all the street names in our area. In a lot of ways he knows where we live better than I do as an adult and better than most others who have lived here for all their lives. With that said, I wonder, do you know the names of Jesus? Are you aware of all that He is? Are you daily reminding yourself of these names and these truths or are you missing all there is to know, trust, and rejoice in Him as Messiah? The names of Jesus provide hope, they calm fears, they bring joy, and they command our trust. There are 4 wonderous names that God reveals through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 9:6. In this article I will just point out 3. These are all names for us to know and celebrate. These are names for us to remember of the One who is our God and Savior.
What is the first? “And His name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor…” In the Hebrew, it is literally, “He is a Wonder of a Counselor.” In Col. 2:3, Paul says that in Him are “hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” His Counsel is of a magnitude beyond human thought or ability. He does not need to be advised nor instructed. He does not need to ask Alexa, Siri, or “google” an answer. With Him there is no need for a second opinion. He knows what is best and understands the ways and will of God, the Father. At all times He knows what is real, what is true, and what is right. His counsel is without error and the wisest thing that we could ever do is look to Him and listen to what He has to say. When you need to know what is wrong, what the issue is, or what direction to go He will show you and His decisions are perfect. He is the only One who can lead you in the way of salvation and when you are in distress, in need of comfort, or help, Job 12:13 declares that counsel and understanding are His! These belong to Him!
He is also, “Mighty God.” This Savior who has been born is stronger than darkness. He is greater than he who is in the world. He is God Himself. He had to be God in order to save us from the devastation our sin brings. He had to be God to bear the heavy burden of our sin and face the fierceness of hell in our place. He is mighty to carry our sin away from us as far as the east is from the west. He is mighty to take our sins and bury them in the depths of the sea where they are remembered no more. He is mighty to save to the uttermost, to save even the chief of sinners, and to save with all certainty and assurance of eternal life. He is a Mighty Savior. He is strong enough to lift you up today wherever you are with whatever is weighing you down and He invites us to know and trust His might and strength.
Finally, He is the “Prince of Peace.” He is the Sovereign Ruler of Peace. There is no other peace. There is no other way to it. Look at this earth and you will not find it. Look within and it will not be there. You must look, bow to, and trust in Him! Peace with God comes only through His blood. He has brought the end to enmity with God caused by our sins through His death on the cross. Through Him we have been reconciled to God! The Lord’s wrath has been satisfied and lifted. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Today, our world is starved for peace. There is unrest in relationships, unrest in politics, unrest in the economy, unrest in regards to health, unrest about the future, unrest about decisions, and unrest about needs. We live in a time stricken with anxiety and it has even crept its way into the Church because we’ve forgotten the names of Jesus. Today, know that there is peace for us. We can know this peace which beyond comprehension in our hearts. It is available in Him (only in Him), the Lord Jesus Christ: the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.
Learning and Loving His Name(s), Pastor Rudy