Unending Increase

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”  (Isaiah 9:6–7, NIV 1984).

My Musings – This verse rolls off the tongue in poetic beauty.  But how often do we pause to reflect on each pearl of wisdom that it contains?

“The government will be on His shoulders.“  This has always been a blessed hope, made all the more hopeful given the current state of affairs in our country and around the world.  A government that will always be good.  Goes beyond the inner quality (His holiness) to the outward expression (His goodness), particularly in terms of His benevolence, loving-kindness and exercise of mercy.  Always just.  Used interchangeably with righteousness. He is absolutely right and just in all that He says or does.  Always righteous.  Absolute in moral purity and rightness. Separate from evil, so much so that He cannot even bear to look upon sin. God has no “dark side.”  Always truthful (what a concept!).  Means more than no falsehood, but also includes certain, faithful and reliable in fulfilling His promises. Can you imagine that kind of government?

“Wonderful counselor” –  Everyone is full of opinions these days, but few are able to advise, because they cannot see beyond their own prejudices. “The Hebrew word ‘pala’ [Wonderful] indicates something uncommon or out of the ordinary. It reflects a phenomenon lying outside the realm of human explanation; that which is separated from the normal course of events; something that cannot be explained.” (John Barnett).  Imagine that kind of counsel.

“Mighty God“ – God.  The name almost seems too plain to convey who He is.  We can attach all kinds of adjectives to His name, and all seem so inadequate.  Mighty (possessing great and impressive power or strength)?  Indeed.  So much so we cannot even begin to imagine. He is able to do anything that He wills to do and that is consistent with His character. No one can stand against Him. It is not just relative power. It is absolute. It is not possible, or even conceivable, for another to be more powerful.  “And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Job 26:14, NIV 1984).

“Everlasting Father” – Everlasting (lasting or enduring through all time). This means more than that God will never cease to exist. It also means that He has always existed. He had no beginning and He will have no end. God has no boundaries or limits. He is not confined to the universe He created in time or space. God did not grow to be God. He has always been perfect in all His attributes and He always will be.  Despite all this, He desires relationship with His creation.  But not just any kind, an intimate familial relationship.  Father.  That’s why He came into His creation.  Born of a woman.  A baby.  He dwelt among us through His Son.  He gave His very being to us through His Son’s death on the cross in order to secure that relationship.  This speaks of limitless love.  How could it be anything else from a limitless God?  “God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NIV 1984).  This is not merely an emotion. It is His character. The text does not say God loves. It says that God is Love.

“Prince of Peace” – Prince (a son of the sovereign).  God sent His only begotten Son.  Why?  To bring us peace with Him.  Peace (the Hebrew word “shalom” meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility).  Peace is such a shallow and fragile thing in our world.  And unattainable.  We learned to number our “big” wars after the war we thought would end all wars.  Until the real “war to end all wars.”

“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” – Who says good things never last?  I am staggered by the inclusion of the words “increase” and “no end” in this verse.  It is so far beyond my comprehension I offer no comment other than – wow!

My Advice – You really need to be part of the increase.

_________________________________

Want to become a Christian? See my blog series “The Born Again Experience.”
Want a closer walk with Christ? See my blog series “Got Spiritual Milk?”

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing