"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ISAIAH 9:6
Usually this text evokes memories of choirs and Handel's Messiah. Originally they were wishful longings of Israelites; dreams of freedom; a cry for restoration of David's kingdom.
In their time of deep pain, suffering, and loss Israel needed someone to call Wonderful, they needed wonders; someone to call Counselor, they needed an advocate to plead their cause; someone to call Mighty God, they needed divine protection; someone to call Everlasting Father, for they needed a dependable provider as head of the nation. They needed someone to call Prince of Peace. They were afraid of war. To sum it up, they needed God.
So do we. As we face times and events that strike fear into our hearts, today we need leaders who will take responsibility on their shoulders to govern. Yet no human being can fully fulfill that assignment. We look for someone to lead us to be the people God destined us to be. The Gospels reveal the Wonderful One, the Counsellor, Mighty God. He is the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jesus.
You can do your part: The people around you need the power of God. Pray. Prepare. Be light and salt. God looks for someone like you to lead people in paths of righteousness for his sake. Follow the path of sacrificial service. Take responsibility in your neighborhood, your city, your nation, your world.
Prayer: Oh God, raise world leaders from among your sons and daughters. Show our generation your power. Protect us like a faithful Father. Strong forces, visible and invisible, conspire to pull our world apart. We need you, Jesus, God's Son. Amen