Our Gospel Jump-Start this week is a reflection on Isaiah 9 from Sinclair Ferguson.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” -Isaiah 9:6-7
On this passage, Ferguson wrote:
…long in advance of the event (Isaiah) detected the true meaning of Christmas. It involves the birth of Jesus-Immanuel. He is the Wonderful Counsellor who has God’s wisdom for us in a world of darkness. He is the Mighty God who has the power to deliver us from our bondage. He is the Everlasting Father who can bring us into God’s family. He is the Prince of Peace who came to bear our guilt and comes to bring us his shalom. (Child in the Manger, pgs. 102-3, emphasis original)
He then pointed out:
But did you notice exactly what Isaiah wrote? ‘To us a child is born, to us a son is given.’ Jesus was born to be all of this for us. (pgs. 103-4, emphasis original)
The greatest gift ever given has been given to us!
Written by Matt Baker