We continue studying Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…” It is because Jesus is “Mighty God” that He can be “Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace”, Immanuel, and, as we will see today, EVERLASTING FATHER.
Jesus is fatherly in that He is the perfect image of the Father. John 10:30 states, “I and the Father are one.” Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”
Colossians 1:15 – “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God.”
A pastor at Grace church wrote – “Because Jesus is our representative father, we are declared righteous and acceptable to God. Because of Jesus’ fatherly representation, we can approach God with freedom and confidence and glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
I add that because Jesus laid down His life for us, we can call Him our Father Redeemer and Good Shepherd. A Shepherd knows His sheep like an earthly father knows his children. Isaiah 54:8 says, “…with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.”
So, how is Jesus like a Father to us? He has a permanent, ongoing relationship with us. Everlasting = continuous, permanent, eternal, forever, without end. We saw last week how we can receive good counsel from our Mighty Lord. Just so, we receive everlasting love and life from Him. A loving father will sacrifice his life for his children and Jesus did that willingly and sacrificially for us on the Cross. But He went further and rose again to prove that He has victory over death!
Jesus REFLECTS Abba Father God’s love. He said in John 15:9 – “AS the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” Recently I visited my daughter and her family in Germany. One Sunday when my son-in-law was also at home, their little 4-year-old was quite sick, but her tall daddy took her on his lap, and she lay there for many hours – happy and content in spite of her fever. It suggests how we too, can be content and rest in the bosom of our ‘everlasting Father” when we are troubled, sick, or in need of comfort.
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You that You are not only my Counsellor, my Mighty Lord, my Hiding place, and my Shelter, but you are also my Blessed loving Father, the One who displays our Almighty God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and life to us. Thank You that I can come to you as a little child, trusting you for all my needs. I love and treasure You above all else on earth! Amen
Myrtle Turunen