The Greatest Gift 7

The Greatest Gift 7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Today's extract is a prophecy, given at least 500 years before it was physically manifested. There is no doubt that it was God's plan all along for Him to provide a worthy sacrifice, a gift that would outgive all others, and would pave the way for the salvation and eternal redemption of all men. That gift has indeed been given; lives have been and continue to be impacted by that gift. Today's extract is a confirmation of this.

First, the Son is a gift to us. It was for our sakes that He was given, and it was for our sins that He died. Imagine that at the time this prophecy was given, the Son is presented as already been given, which tells me that God is not limited by time, space and circumstances, and whatever He has promised will certainly come to pass.

Secondly, this Son is an exact representation of His father,  who is King of kings and Lord of lords. He does have a government, he is the government, and only by His administration is death dealt a fatal blow, life freely given and sealed forever. If a man would promise me royalty, at least, he will be entitled to the throne. God ticks all those boxes and more, promising me not just an earthly life of dominion and victory, but an eternal life of reigning and ruling with Him. Indeed, my present earthly life must be a preparation for the great life just ahead.

And thirdly, He has names. These aren't ordinary names, but names with eternal purposes. Wonderful, counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of peace. Note that none of these names speak first of what I can get from Him, but how I must approach him. The usual focus of man is what to get; God wants me to know who He is, because a knowledge of that God is the secret to unlocking all the things I desire from Him.

In this season, when the focus is on what to eat, drink and wear and how to impress, can I take my eyes off the needs and focus on the one major need: knowing and experiencing God? When that is settled, impact is inevitable. Do I know this gift; have I met Him? Does He know me as His own? His time of favour is here.