December is here and a new season has begun. A season in which our enemy continues to attack us. Our enemy seeks even now in the busyness, gift shopping, decorations, family gatherings, and cozy firelight reading time to distract, tempt, and dissuade us from our true motivation behind these actions.
We cannot lose focus. Jesus Christ is the reason for the joy, hope, peace, and love we ponder anew this time of year.
We need to fight the enemy by keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ.
One way I do that is by learning and pondering His names. In Isaiah 9:6, God gave five names to the Messiah. His names not only give us something to call Him, but reveal His character, His role, and His deity.
Today, I’d like to share these five names with you!
Wonderful
The first name is Wonderful, it comes from the Hebrew Pele.
Pele has two primary definitions. 1) something wonderful, admirable, a miracle of God. 2) admirable, distinguished – used specifically of the Messiah King.
I love this name! Truly, Jesus is wonderful and admirable! He is a miraculous gift of God to us!
Counselor
The second name is Counselor. In Hebrew, it is Yo’etz.
Yo’etz literally means “giver of counsel.”
Consider Isaiah 40:13-14, “Who has understood the mind of the LORD or instructed Him as His counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the right way? Who was it that taught Him knowledge or showed Him the path of understanding?”
Obviously, the answer is no one! To God belongs all wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His (Job 12:13). There is no greater Giver of Counsel than the Lord Jesus.
Mighty God
The third name is Mighty God, which is El Gibbor in Hebrew. Oh, this name is such a great one!
Scripture repeatedly speaks of God’s might. He is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17), mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8), He sustains the earth in mighty strength (Isaiah 40:26), He is the mighty one (Psalm 45:3). And there is no end to His might!
For God to give the Messiah His name, El Gibbor, is to suggest that the coming Messiah has been with God from the beginning, doing mighty things! It also shows that, when Messiah came, He would do mighty deeds for men – and, yes He did!
Everlasting Father
The fourth name is Everlasting Father or Eternal Father. It is the Hebrew Avi’ad.
For thousands of years, God has revealed Himself as Father to the nation of Israel, to those who believe in Jesus Christ, and revealed His eternal nature.
“What great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called His children – and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
“Lord, You are from all eternity” (Psalm 93:2).
Again, to give the Messiah the name Avi’ad tells us that Jesus is one with God – eternal and Father to His people!
Prince of Peace
The fifth name is Prince of Peace, in Hebrew Sar Shalom. This one has been a favorite of mine for years!
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
The world promises peace, but cannot give it. The world seeks peace and finds only a glimpse of it. But Jesus Himself is our Prince of Peace!
You want to know something amazing about that Hebrew word, shalom?
It means, “peace, well-being, health, contentment, tranquility, safety, comfort, success, wholeness, integrity.” Oh, what shalom is ours in Christ if we trust in Him!
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
It’s amazing to ponder the Scriptures, even the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and see how these names are fulfilled. They are so true and accurate in showing us Jesus’ character, role, and deity! How kind God was to give them to us and reveal Himself!
I hope that the significance and meaning of these names will become even greater to you (and me) this season.
May you live victoriously for our Savior this season and always!
Comment below! Which of these names stands out to you?
