Everlasting Father

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Scripture: “..His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, ESV

Consider: In April 2015, USA Today, did a special on Gertrude Weaver. She was born in 1898, making her the oldest woman in the world. She is from the good ole south, Arkansas. At 117 years old you could say she watched the world change. She was alive before there was the Ford automobile, she was alive before there was a Hitler or a man on the moon. She was there to see the world change. Think about God, theologically. He created the world and changed the world. He is eternal; he is before age. He cannot be numbered nor counted. He is above, before and beyond all time. As the Apostle Paul says… “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV). Jesus Christ is everlasting; he has no end nor beginning. While he was born, he was still eternal.

His description here is not to say he took the place of the heavenly father for there is only One Heavenly Father. Jesus is not Him. The essence of the Trinity is One God. Three persons. All fully being God. Here Isaiah is seeking to share with us the Messiah is not only a father to the nation of Israel but an eternal father to all of his children who believe in him. (John 1:12). The reign and rule of this Messiah would be like a loving father, leading over his household. Jesus is the good, good father. He is God and therefore shares in the same attributes of God the Father, the first person in the Holy Trinity as the writer of Hebrews tells us; “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” And Jesus himself said…. “The person who has seen me has seen the Father (John 14:9).

Jesus is the Messiah that offers you fatherly love that is everlasting. He is your Good Shepherd, extending kindness to you. It’s interesting to note, that the secret to Gertrude long life was knowing God’s word and extending love and kindness to others. With this logic, it’s no wonder that the most loving person ever Jesus would be called everlasting Father. For with love and kindness so rich as this one can live for eternity.

Pray: Dear Lord, I want to live on your love more. You are the Everlasting Father, Jesus Messiah, Son of God. Breathe new life into my heart today. Fill me with your everlasting love and kindness, add years to my life if it might bring you glory here on earth, help me to trust you as a Good good father! In Christ name. Amen.