12-15-2024 His Name Is The Mighty God

Text: Isaiah 9:6

                    The prophet Isaiah was preparing the world for the arrival of the Messiah.  In Isaiah 7:14 he wrote “Therefor the Lord Himself shall give you a sign:  Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”  Isaiah told us that a child would be born, and a Son would be given.  Hundreds of years later the prophecy was fulfilled as we learn in Luke 1:30-35.  This was when the angel Gabriel visited the virgin Mary to tell her she was going to have a son who would one day govern.  Isaiah went on to tell us the five names the Messiah would be called in chapter 9 and verse 6.  So far we have looked at the names “Wonderful” and “Counselor.”  This morning, let’s look at why this coming Son is called “The Mighty God.”

                   First, we begin with another miraculous birth that is told of in Luke 1:5-25.  Zacharias was a priest serving in Temple.  He and his wife Elizabeth were, by this time, elderly and also childless.  The angel Gabriel visited Zacharias to tell him that his wife would have a son, and he was to call him John.  This child would be filled with the Holy Spirit and turn many of the children of Israel to God.  But Zacharias didn’t believe a word of what Gabriel was telling him so this angel, who regularly stands in the presence of God, took away the ability of Zacharias to speak until the day the child was born. 

                   This was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3-5.  The child John, who we know as John the Baptist, lived in the wilderness which is a picture of life’s trials and sufferings we experience in life; but we need not let life’s trials and sufferings weaken our faith.  John’s purpose was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah by rolling out the red carpet, so to speak.  Matthew 3:3 says:  “For this is he who was spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah, saying, the voice of one crying in the  wilderness.  Prepare you the way of the Lord, make His paths straight how.”  John the Baptist urged the people to confess their sins and live for God.  He taught a message of repentance that brings good news to those who listen and look for the healing forgiveness of God’s love, but it’s terrible news to those who refuse to listen and thus cut off their only hope of being restored to the family of God.  John prepared the way for Jesus by preparing others to welcome Him.  People who do not know Jesus need to be prepared to meet Him.  Like John the Baptist, we can prepare others by explaining to them what Jesus has done for us, why they need forgiveness of their sins, by demonstrating Jesus’ teachings, by loving and helping them, and by telling them how Christ can give their lives true meaning.  As john the Baptist did in his time, we can make straight paths for Jesus by correcting misconceptions that might be the obstacles keeping people from approaching Jesus.  We can show others that the Mighty God can work miracles in them through the Gospel and faith.

                   The Mighty God brings light to those in darkness.  Luke tells us in chapter 1, verses 77 to 79 that Jesus will give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God by which the rising sun will come to us from Heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.  Jesus is that rising sun from Heaven which is why He is also called ‘Dayspring,’ which means dawn.  Human centered solutions for problems can and often do fail.  But the wisdom of this Mighty God who has been sent to us will never fail. 

                   The announcement of the birth of Jesus was first made by an angel to common men – the shepherds who watching their sheep in the night.  And what birth announcement it was!  These may have been the same shepherds who supplied the lambs for the Temple sacrifices that were performed for the forgiveness of sin.  The angel invited these shepherds to greet the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world forever. 

                   Luke chapter 2 verses 8 to 18 tell how the angel came to the shepherds, causing the glory of the Lord to shine all around them.  This was the visible presence of God that was also witnessed by Moses in the burning bush, and then in the pilar of fire that guided the Israelites through the desert at night for 40 years.  Scripture says they were ‘sore afraid,’ meaning they were absolutely terrified.  The angel told them they shouldn’t be afraid because he was bringing a message of great joy that was for all the entire world.  The message was that the Savior was born in Bethlehem, and they could find him in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes.  Then the angel was joined by a crowd of angels praising God saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  First the shepherds ran to see the baby, then they spread the word of His birth.  This same Jesus is our Messiah and our Savior.  So, we should all look within our hearts and ask ourselves if we look forward to meeting Him daily in prayer and in His Word and if we have discovered a Lord so wonderful that we can’t help but share our joy with others.

                   The greatest event in history had occurred:  the Messiah was born.  For thousands of years the Jews waited for this, and when it finally happened, the announcement came to shepherds.  The good news is that Jesus comes to all of us, including the plain and the ordinary.  He will come to anyone with a heart that is humble enough to accept Him.  Whoever you may be, whatever occupation you may choose, whatever sins you may have committed, you can have Jesus in your life.  There are no special qualifications required to come to Him because Jesus accepts everyone exactly as they are.

                   Some of the Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped the Messiah would deliver them from physical ailments.  But Jesus – while healing their illnesses and working to establish a spiritual kingdom – delivers them from the sin.  He outstripped all their expectations.  Too often we also set our own agenda for Jesus.  When we do this we end up restricting Him because we expect too little from Him.  Don’t ever limit what He can do for you because you are relying on your only finite mind.  Ask for His help then trust that He will work out your problems and cause other wonderful things to happen in your life in accordance with His infinite abilities and God’s perfect will for you.  The work of Jesus is more far-reaching than anyone could ever imagine.  He paid the price for the sin of the entire world and opened the path to peace with God.  Jesus offers us more than temporary political or physical changes; He offers us new hearts and new lives for all eternity.  This is why He is called the Mighty God.

                   The birth of Jesus is celebrated with music that has inspired composers for 2,000.  The angels’ song, often call “Gloria” after its first word in the Latin translation, is the basis for many modern choral works, traditional Christmas carols, and ancient solemn chants.  A child was born, and the Son of God was given to us to save us for all of eternity.  Anyone and everyone can come with all of their sins and the Mighty God will save them.  Anyone and everyone can come with all of their problems and the Mighty God will solve them.  If you haven’t already asked Jesus into your heart and your life, He is waiting for your call.  Don’t be afraid, simply trust Him by faith with your life, because He is the Mighty God.

                   Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.