As we continue to look at Isaiah 9:6 and discuss how the gift of Jesus can impact us, let’s take note of how each name of Jesus described in this passage builds on the previous- Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor because He is both- Mighty God and Everlasting Father. He is the strength of Creator God over all things in the universe with the presence and attention of a caring Father.
For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
In recent years, our culture has been working to redefine what the ideal father looks like. Traditionally, we have valued the security found in role of a father as a provider and stable authority. Presently, we have added values such as caring, present, supportive, and guiding. All of these elements of fatherhood and more are found in descriptions of our Good Father in the Bible. An example that comes to mind is the description of the Father that Jesus gives in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Here we see a Father who is generous, quick to forgive, and desiring to be present and available to his children, even to the point of his own disgrace. In Matthew 7:11, we read that our Father is not only generous, but gives good gifts. Psalm 103:13 describes Him as compassionate. We read about his attentiveness in Psalm 139 where it states that He thinks about us more often than there are grains of sand. Who doesn’t want a father like that… forever?! The gift of Jesus is the gift of God the Father giving us Himself. We can get to the Father who embodies all of these traits because of Jesus. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So whatever problem you face, you have a Father who is kind, compassionate, generous, thoughtful, wise, forgiving, secure, provides, and a myriad of other beautiful attributes and who never grows weary of doing them. His gift is to be our Everlasting Father.
For further reflection-
Luke 15:11-32
Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
Psalm 139:17-18 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalms 103:17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children