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)
As we move through the weeks leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we will continue to examine the four names of the Cosmic Christ Child, all of which were given by the inspired pen of the prophet Isaiah. As I said last week, when a king was crowned in Isaiah’s time, the king would be given names or titles that would identify his rule, his reign, and the scope of his kingdom. The same was true in the four names given to this Child who was born to us and this son that was given to us.
This week we will focus on the prophet’s second title that finds its fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ: “Mighty God.” As we did with “Wonderful Counselor” last week, we will look at the first half of the name today, explore the second half of the name on Wednesday, and bring them both back together to close out the week on Friday.
Mighty is the Hebrew word gibbor, which means “power and strength.” Our English word omnipotent (absolute in power) expresses this attribute perfectly, and it can be rightly applied only to our Triune God.
It is interesting to note that the word gibbor can also mean “hero.” It is God Himself who is the hero of every biblical story. Only God is almighty (omnipotent), and this title finds its fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ in His mightiest act of all: rising from the dead. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two downcast disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus, and He asked them what they are discussing. The two men did not recognize the risen Savior, and they were surprised by the question. They replied —
“Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, mighty in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:18-19).
Those who had eyes to see recognized the supernatural power of His might. By the power of His Word, all things came into existence (Colossians 1:16). Jesus demonstrated the power of His being over nature, over disease, over demons, over sin, and even over death. Peter preached this truth in his sermon at Pentecost.
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.” (Acts 2:22)
Here is something to remember, the God who parted the waters of the Red Sea is the same God who walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. The God who spoke all life into existence is the same God who speaks the Word of truth and life into your heart. To be sure, mighty in word and deed is one thing, but mighty when it comes to you and me, uniquely and personally, is another thing altogether! If you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are a receipient of that power.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-29)
Jesus is mighty to save . . . mighty to sanctify . . . and mighty to keep us secure in our salvation. May that truth set us free to be all God is calling us to be. On Wednesday, we will take a look at the word “God,” the second half of Isaiah’s second appellation for this Child born on Christmas Day.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 