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)
Today we will close out our study on the third name given by the prophet Isaiah to this child who was to be born to us, this son who would be given.
Everlasting Father – It should be no surprise to see Jesus described as our Everlasting Father, especially in light of the fact that He also demonstrated the qualities of a mother.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37).
Is it not staggering to see the depths of the love of our God as it is expressed to us in Christ Jesus? He loves us as a father and as a mother. I want to show you what I consider the most amazing picture of the Everlasting Father’s love for us, His children, which was expressed in His High Priestly Prayer, uttered just a few hours before His crucifixion. Reflecting on His care for His disciples, Jesus prayed, “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me” (John 17:12). Such is the heart of our Everlasting Father toward His children. He does not leave us to face life’s difficulties and tragedies all alone; He protects us and keeps us safe.
Before we close out our examination of this amazing name for our Lord Jesus Christ, “Everlasting Father,” let me say a few words to those for whom the name “Father” stirs memories that are anything but fond and happy. As a pastor I have counseled many people who had dreadful experiences with their earthly father. Some fathers were absent . . . some were aloof . . . some were angry . . . some were abusive. Most of us sustained what I call “father wounds” at some point during our upbringing, and those wounds stay with us throughout life.
To be sure, every earthly father falls woefully short of the biblical model and godly goal set before us in Scripture. I know I did; just ask our four children. I say all this to say that, regardless of our experiences with our earthly father, we must always look to our heavenly Father, who has planend from all eternity to prosper us and not to harm us, who loves us unconditionally, and who has promised never to leave or forsake us.
Regardless of where this message may find you regarding your experiences with your earthly father, keep looking to your Everlasting Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Jesus is everlastingly a father to those who trust in him.” The life of Jesus lays bare the heart of His Father in heaven — a love that our Lord has experienced for all eternity, a love that He demonstrted by dying in our place and on our behalf. It is a love that He now offers to us as our Savior, our Husband, our Friend, our Brother, and our Everlasting Father.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 