for to 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 genesis 3, we have what is called the proto-evangelium or ‘first gospel’: the news of a son who would be born to save us from the sin in the world and the sin in our own hearts:
i will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” [genesis 3:15]
God, speaking to the serpent in the garden, speaks of an offspring, a son-his own son, Jesus Christ, who would be born in human likeness and would come to put his enemy, satan, under his feet, by his own bruising death on the cross!
since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [hebrews 2:14-15]
the hearers of isaiah’s prophecy certainly would be confused by these words–how could this child, this son be named ‘Everlasting Father’ how could he be named ‘Mighty God’? This is why the jews in the temple were incensed by Jesus’ words–
i and the Father are one.” [john 10:30]
–and sought to stone him, they were missing it–they were missing everything.
in Jesus was the fulfillment they were seeking through man-made rituals and rules and works–he was the redemption, and yet, they rejected him and sought to kill him. let us not miss him today. in his presence, know yourself redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus and rejoice in all that he has fulfilled!
~ce