The prophet Isaiah had much to say about the promised Savior who was coming. This is what he said in Isaiah 9:6, “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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” That’s quite a name, isn’t it?
We can learn a lot about God from His names. Here are some things I learned about the meanings of these names in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.
Wonderful: This Hebrew word can also mean “a miracle, a marvelous thing.” Truly, Jesus’ coming was not only a miracle, but a marvelous thing for all mankind!
Counselor: This means to advise well or guide. God is the wisest counselor because He knows all things. He has given us His advice in the Bible. And He says He is always available any time we need to ask Him for advice. (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:3-5)
The Mighty God: The word used here for “Mighty” refers to a powerful champion, or valiant warrior. It is coupled here with the name for God that means strength and power. In other words, He’s really strong! Strong enough to meet any challenge. He was strong enough to meet our deepest need, our need for a Savior. And He is strong enough to meet us in our need today.
The Everlasting Father: This name has to do with God’s eternity. He is the never changing Father. Nothing can alter Him. He was, and is, and is to come. And by using the name “Father,” it is implying a personal relationship. He is not an impersonal God. Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30) Certainly these names clearly show the deity of Christ and His desire to have a relationship with us. Do you have a relationship with God? You can. John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (NIV)
The Prince of Peace: The word used for peace here had a different meaning than I had assumed. It actually implies that all is well and safe, even happy, and at peace. And prince means the master, captain, or ruler. So He is the Master of this peace. Surely He can bring peace into our hearts today. Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Choose one of these names of Jesus to think about throughout your day. Think about what that name can tell you about God and what He is like. How does this effect your relationship with Him?
For the children: Do you know what your name means? Was there a special reason why you were given the name you have? Maybe you were named after someone special or your parents just liked the sound of your name. Try to find out, by asking your parents or looking in a book that gives the meanings of names.
