Who Prophesied About the Messiah?
The prophet Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would be a wonderful Counselor in the following passage: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah used terms that cannot belong to any earthly ruler. Let’s have a closer look at these titles:
Son of God
There is but one Person in the universe to whom the description of the verse in Isaiah 9:6 can properly fit, and that is Christ. For the Messiah will rule over all the Universe at the end of time (Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 25:31; 28:18; Luke 1:32, 33; 1 Corinthians 15:25, Psalm 110:1; Philippians 2:10; Revelation 11:15). At the baptism, the Father declared Jesus to be His Son (Luke 3:22). The same declaration was again given, a few months before the crucifixion (Matthew 17:5).
Eternal Government
The prophet Daniel also predicted that the kingdom of Christ will “break in pieces and consume” all the kingdoms of earth (Daniel 2:44) and “rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers” (Revelation 2:27). And the angel Gabriel affirmed that “of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33). Through Christ the throne of David will be set forever (Genesis 49:10). And He will rule “with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 11:4, 5; 16:5). Justice, equity, mercy, and compassion are the main principles that characterize the King of King’s government (Psalms 72:2, 3, 12–14).
Wonderful Counselor
The title “wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 11:2, 3; 25:1; 28:29) represents the thought of wisdom, kindness, and thoughtfulness—a name that would call forth the worship, and praise of all God’s children in all the universe (Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 5:12, 13). Long before the creation of this world, God took counsel with Christ regarding the plan of salvation that would be carried out in case of the emergency of sin. The Son of God offered Himself, and became “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Then, began the “counsel of peace” (Zechariah 6:13) on behalf of lost humanity.
Mighty God
The term “mighty God” declared that Jesus the Son is no less God than is the Father. He was one with the Father from eternity (Psalms 90:2; Proverbs 8:22–30; Micah 5:2; John 1:1; 14:9, 11). He will be the “everlasting Father” as God the Father is eternal. In addition, Isaiah called Him the Father because He is Father to all mankind as the Creator of people and of the world (John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). No other word than “Father” shows the love of Christ toward His children. When Christ rules, it will be as a father to His people (Isaiah 22:21, 22).
Prince of Peace
Isaiah concluded his picture of the future time of glory with a glorious prophecy of the great Prince of Peace. Christ will be that ”prince of Peace” (Zechariah 9:9, 10; Ephesians 2:14). Peace is never to be realized in this world by the efforts of men. Peace comes only with righteousness (Isaiah 32:17, 18), and Jesus is the righteous King (Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16), giving His own righteousness to the faithful. The Son of God came to the world to grant much hope for eternal joy (Luke 2:14; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
