He can do it!
Deep inside we feel a longing for peace and joy, but we live today in a time that is characterized by uncertainty and lunacy. We are inquisitive and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Our world is getting more and more complicated and confused. Who knows what or who you can believe? Many world politicians feel that the rapidly changing political and economic conditions overwhelm them. We, too, are not in a position to participate in change in this increasingly complex society. There is no sense of real security at this time. Fewer people trust the judiciary. Terrorism, crime, political intrigue and corruption threaten the security of each individual.
We have long been used to continuous advertising every 30 seconds and get impatient when someone speaks to us for longer than two minutes. If we don't like something anymore, we change jobs, apartments, hobbies or spouses. It's hard to stop and enjoy the moment. Boredom overtakes us quickly because there is a restlessness deep within our personality. We worship the idols of materialism and surrender to "gods" who make us feel good by satisfying our needs and desires. In this troubled world God has revealed himself with many signs and wonders and yet many do not believe in him. Martin Luther once said that the incarnation consists of three miracles: “The first is that God became man; the second, that a virgin became a mother, and the third, that people believe this with all their hearts".
The physician Luke had investigated and written down what he had heard from Mary: "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end. Then Mary said to the angel, How can that be, since I don't know of any man? The angel answered and said to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also that holy thing which is to be born shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1,30-35). The prophet Isaiah foretold this (Isaiah 7,14). Only through Jesus Christ could the prophecy come true.
The apostle Paul wrote of Jesus' coming to the church in Corinth: "For God, who said, Let light shine out of the darkness, hath shone in our hearts that there might be light through us of the knowledge of the glory of God in him face of Jesus Christ” (2. Corinthians 4,6). Consider what the Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote for us about the characteristics of Christ the “anointed” (Greek Messiah):
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and dominion rests on his shoulders; and his name is Wonder Counselor, God Hero, Eternal Father, Peace Prince; that his dominion may be great, and that there may be no end to peace upon the throne of David, and in his kingdom, that he may strengthen and uphold it with judgment and righteousness from now and forever. Such will the zeal of the Lord of hosts do" (Isaiah 9,5-6).
Wonderful Counselor
He is literally the "Miracle Counselor". He gives us comfort and strength for all time and eternity. The Messiah is a “miracle” himself. The word refers to what God has done, not what man has done. He himself is God. This child born to us is a miracle. He rules with unerring wisdom. He does not need an adviser or a cabinet; he is a consultant himself. Do we need wisdom in this hour of need? Here is the advisor worthy of the name. He doesn't get burnout. He is always on duty. He is the infinite wisdom. He is worthy of faithfulness, for his advice goes beyond human limits. Jesus invites all who need a wonderful counselor to come to him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden; I want to refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and humble of heart; so you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11,28-30).
Mighty God
He is Almighty God. He is literally the "God Hero". The Messiah is the supremely powerful, living, true God, omnipresent and omniscient. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one" (John 10,30). The Messiah himself is God and able to save all who trust him. No less than all of God's omnipotence is at his disposal. What he has set out to do, he can also do.
Everlasting Father
He is forever a father. He is loving, caring, affectionate, loyal, wise, a guide, provider, and protector. In Psalm 103,13 We read: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him".
For those struggling to maintain a positive father image, here is the one worthy of the name. We can have perfect security in a close love relationship with our Eternal Father. The Apostle Paul admonishes us in these words in Romans: “For you have not received a spirit of slavery anew to fear, but have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, "Abba, Father!" Yes, the Spirit itself, along with our spirit, testifies that we are God's children. But if we are children, we are also heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Part of that, however, is that we now suffer with him; then we shall also have part in his glory” (Romans 8,15-17 New Geneva translation).
Prince of Peace
He rules over his people with peace. His peace endures forever. He is the embodiment of peace, therefore he rules over his redeemed people as a prince who makes peace. In his farewell speech before his arrest, Jesus said to his disciples: "My peace I give you" (John 14,27). Through faith, Jesus comes into our hearts and gives us his perfect peace. The moment we trust him completely, he gives us this indescribable peace.
Are we looking for someone to eliminate our uncertainty and give us wisdom? Have we lost the Christ miracle? Do we feel that we live in a time of spiritual poverty? He is our miracle counsel. Let us delve into his word and listen to the wonder of his counsel.
When we believe in Jesus Christ, we trust in Almighty God. Do we feel helpless in an unsettled world that is in turmoil? Do we carry a heavy burden that we can not carry alone? Almighty God is our strength. There is nothing he can not do. He can save all who trust him.
If we believe in Jesus Christ, we have an eternal Father. Do we feel like orphans? Do we feel defenseless? We have someone who always loves us, cares for us and works for what is best for us. Our father will never leave us nor miss us. Through him we have eternal security.
If we trust in Jesus Christ, he is our Prince of Peace as our King. Are we afraid and can not rest? Do we need a shepherd in hard times? There is only one who can give us deep and lasting inner peace.
Praise be our miracle counsel, peace prince, eternal father and god hero!
by Santiago Lange