Isaiah 9:6
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.
Scripture Insights
We long for leaders who will exercise authority with wisdom and sound judg ment. We want them to use their positions to make the world a better place. As it was in ancient Israel, so it is for nations around the world today: some leaders are better than others, but rarely do any of them live up to their promises or our expectations.
Into a time of trials, wars, and ongoing threats from other world powers, the prophet Isaiah gave an oracle of hope. Today’s scripture says there is a leader who lives up to the hype and even more because he will take on the mantle of government as Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God never makes empty promises. He is an Everlasting Father who always keeps his word.
Because his kingdom has already broken in, we can experience the shalom of God in our hearts and relationships as we cooperate with the Prince of Peace in his redemptive work over all creation. In the promised Son, we have received the gift of hope in every situation.
Today’s Prayer
Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! Calling your names reorients us toward the hope-filled reality that you have come already and will come again. May we reflect your hope back into the world in every situation today.
—Julie O’Hara
Project Director, The Preaching Collaborative (Oregon)
