A Son Is Given
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS
This announcement comes right after Isaiah describes a people walking in darkness — the promise of a child shines exactly where hope seemed to have run out.
BORN AND GIVEN
"Born" speaks of his real humanity, "given" speaks of a deliberate gift from God — he didn't simply happen, he was sent on purpose.
GOVERNMENT ON HIS SHOULDER
Placing government on the shoulder pictures a weight carried with sufficient strength — no human empire has ever borne that burden without breaking.
FOUR NAMES, ONE PERSON
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace — each name describes an aspect of one who can only be fully divine and fully present.
PRINCE OF PEACE, NOT JUST VICTORY
The last title is the most surprising in a time of war — the promised child doesn't come only to win battles, he comes to bring lasting peace.
CALL HIM BY HIS NAMES
Act: Pray today using each of this verse's four names, naming specifically where you need him as Counselor, as Mighty God, as Father, and as Peace.