Isaiah 9:6-7
Introduction
The name of Jesus provides comprehensive supernatural evidence for everything that He governs. In Isaiah 9:6, we see that a distinction is made when referring to the coming of Jesus: as a child He was born, but as the Son He was given. This phrasing establishes the unique likeness of Jesus as both divine and human. The verse goes on to say that the government will be on Jesus’ shoulders. When Jesus Christ oversees and governs something, you can expect to experience Him in four ways: as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father (i.e., Father of Eternity), and Prince of Peace.
Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor. He can be depended on for guidance, wisdom, discernment, and advice. If He is allowed to govern the life of the believer, He can advise appropriately in every dimension of life. This results in the ability to make better choices, to discern more clearly, and to move forward correctly. When Jesus is allowed to govern and be your Wonderful Counselor, He helps you not to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. He is not just a good counselor, but a magnificent counselor. He knows everything about every subject, which is why He can counsel His people comprehensively. With Jesus as counselor, you no longer have to be held hostage by that which would otherwise have you in chains. The key for freedom in Christ, however, is that you must place the governance of your life on His shoulders, trusting Him for all directions of your life.
When Jesus is governing your life, you can expect to see Him operate as Mighty God. As Mighty God, He is able to empower anything that He counsels. In other words, any counsel that Jesus provides, He has the power to accomplish in your life because He is a Mighty God. Jesus’ governance makes it possible for believers to deal effectively with real life challenges and to overcome sin, Satan, and circumstances.
Jesus also governs as the Father of Eternity, literally “Eternal Father.” He is the originator of time. Because He sits outside of time, He can govern you in your physical, spiritual, and abundant life. Jesus is not subject to time and space; instead He oversees time. When the believer allows Jesus to govern his or her life, they make it possible for Jesus to intervene and bring about an intended end or direction.
Jesus also governs as our Prince of Peace. This means that He is capable of bringing order out of chaos, stability out of instability, and unity out of division. When Jesus Christ brings governance or oversight to something, He takes what looks like disorder and brings it into order, so that we no longer experience chaos.
The key to experiencing the fullness of Jesus’ rule in your life is to die to self, and to submit yourself to His governance. If you do not allow Him to govern you, then don’t be surprised if your decisions are ineffective. When Jesus governs, you don’t have to be the victim of whatever life dictates to you. The name of Jesus is spectacular and above every name. If you give His name its rightful due, it will transform and change your life.
Getting Started
- What has been the most memorable truth you have learned throughout the series on the names of Jesus?
- How has that truth made a difference in your life?
Let’s Get Personal
- Have you ever experienced Jesus as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, or Prince of Peace? Share your experience with Jesus in your group to encourage others and to remind yourself of His faithfulness in your life?
- Of the four titles of Jesus reviewed in this week’s sermon, which one do you need to see active most in your life right now and why? How can Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, or Prince of Peace make a difference in your life during this season?
- What does it mean for Jesus to govern your life? Do you have evidence in your life of this? If not, what must you adjust for Jesus to govern your life?
Take the Next Step
Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: 2 Chr 16:9; Job 28:1-28; Ps 32:8; 34:3; 73:24; 85:10; Prov 2:1-5; Eccl 3:11; Isa 32:17; 40:13-14; 52:7; Jer 10:23; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 2:14; John 1:18; 6:38; 16:33; 17:17; 20:28; 1 Cor 2:9; 2 Cor 4:17-18; 12:7-10; Eph 3:20; Col 2:2-3; Heb 1:10-12; 2:17-18; James 1:5; 1 John 5:20
Renew Your Mind
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
– Isaiah 9:6
