Monday: A Child for Us
Isaiah 9.6-7
Here is the third special birth in the book of Isaiah, following mention of the births of Immanuel and Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
What is special about the Child found in these verses? Isaiah 9.6-7.
Image © Jeff Preston at Goodsalt.com
Notice that this Deliverer has several names/epithets that describe Him in various ways. In the ancient Near East, kings and deities had multiple names to show their greatness.
He is “wonderful,” just as the divine Angel of the LORD described His own name to Samson’s father as “wonderful” (Judg: 13:18, RSV; the same Hebrew root) and then ascended toward heaven in the sacrificial flame on Manoah’s altar (Judg: 13:20), thereby prefiguring His offering of Himself more than one thousand years later.
He is referred to as divine (“Mighty God”) and the eternal Creator (“Everlasting Father”; see Luke 3:38: “ … Adam, son of God,” NRSV).
He is a King of the dynasty of David; His kingdom of peace will be eternal.
Given Given these attributes, who alone could this Child be? See Luke 2:8-14.
Some have attempted to identify Him with King Hezekiah, but the description far surpasses any ordinary human being. Only one person fits: Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God and Creator (John 1:1-3, John 1:14; Col: 1:15-17; Col: 2:9; Heb: 1:2), who was born to us in order to save us and give us peace. He has received all authority in heaven and on earth, and He is with us always (Matt: 28:18-20). While retaining His divinity, He has also become human for all time, ever able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb: 4:15). “Unto us a child is born” … forever!
“When Christ came to our world, Satan was on the ground, and disputed every inch of advance in His path from the manger to Calvary. Satan had accused God of requiring self-denial of the angels, when He knew nothing of what it meant Himself, and when He would not Himself make any self-sacrifice for others. This was the accusation that Satan made against God in heaven; and after the evil one was expelled from heaven, he continually charged the Lord with exacting service which He would not render Himself. Christ came to the world to meet these false accusations, and to reveal the Father.” — Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. 1, pages 406, 407.
| What does this quote tell us about the character of God? |
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It is worth reading Isaiah for itself and not just as a cherry-picking exercise to support the ideas put forward by the lesson authors. Don't get the idea that I am saying the authors are wrong but a wider reading does give a bigger picture.
We largely accept the notion that Isaiah, more than any of the other Old Testament prophets was messianic in his message. Yet when you read Isaiah, many of the messianic passages are set amid local concerns about the behaviour of the Hebrews and their relationships with surrounding nations. Ultimately that is probably why the book of Isaiah made its way into the accepted writings of the Jewish Canon.
The justification that these writings were prophetically pointing to Jesus came from Jesus himself. Of course, this raises the question: Was Jesus just a smart nutcase manipulating the minds of his followers? Or was he who he said he was - The Son of God? With that question in mind, it is no wonder that when Jesus read the lesson from Isaiah in his local synagogue in Nazareth, and explained it in terms of his mission, the congregation rose up and attempted to kill him for blasphemy. They thought he was a nutcase! Interestingly, it is one of the few times during his ministry that he miraculously escaped. The local congregation was not about to have their historically supported ideas overturned by a person they knew as the village carpenter.
This raises two points:
1) Jesus himself provides the ultimate interpretation of prophecy and sometimes that prophecy is at odds with previous, institutionalised interpretations. If we accept the authority of Jesus, his interpretation of prophecy, combined with his consistent life of self-sacrificing love makes sense.
2) Relying on institutionalised interpretations of scripture can lead to complacency of understanding that become meaningless in the long run. We have unparalleled opportunities to study for ourselves these days and to interact with others about our study? Are we making the most of it? or are we taking the lazy way out and relying on the work of others?
This is an overview of the whole book of Isaiah:
The book opens by setting out the themes of judgment and subsequent restoration for the righteous. God has a plan which will be realised on the "Day of Yahweh", when Jerusalem will become the centre of his worldwide rule. On that day all the nations of the world will come to Zion (Jerusalem) for instruction, but first the city must be punished and cleansed of evil. Israel is invited to join in this plan. Chapters 5–12 explain the significance of the Assyrian judgment against Israel: righteous rule by the Davidic king will follow after the arrogant Assyrian monarch is brought down. Chapters 13–27 announce the preparation of the nations for Yahweh's world rule; chapters 28–33 announce that a royal saviour (a messiah) will emerge in the aftermath of Jerusalem's punishment and the destruction of her oppressor.
The rest of the book.
The oppressor (now identified as Babylon rather than Assyria) is about to fall. Chapters 34–35 tell how Yahweh will return the redeemed exiles to Jerusalem. Chapters 36–39 tell of the faithfulness of king Hezekiah to Yahweh during the Assyrian siege as a model for the restored community. Chapters 40–54 state that the restoration of Zion is taking place because Yahweh, the creator of the universe, has designated the Persian king Cyrus the Great as the promised messiah and temple-builder. Chapters 55–66 are an exhortation to Israel to keep the covenant. God's eternal promise to David is now made to the people of Israel/Judah at large. The book ends by enjoining righteousness as the final stages of God's plan come to pass, including the pilgrimage of the nations to Zion and the realisation of Yahweh's kingship
In reference to your first paragraph, it is not what is said, but how it is said.
Just thinking!
Maybe I feel like I do about babies because I never completed a pregnancy and birthed, and am past that window of opportunity now. My best friend would snicker at my choice of word “opportunity”. She’s a great mom with 2 teenage girls. It’s just that for her being Mom has often felt like a too heavy burden and she has a bit of anxiety from it. She can’t understand my reactions. I go into full-out “coo” mode. The cuteness, the preciousness, the beauty of brand new life, the perfection of a baby peacefully asleep, the “miniatureness” of everything about them is just adorable beyond words to me. I stop in mid-sentence when a baby or little child enters the room. I adore them (most of the time).
Jesus received honor and adoration as a baby. He certainly seemed to have more universal love coming His way as a newborn and child (Luke 2:52) than at the end of His life - shepherds, angels, wise men, Anna, Simeon all worshiped Him openly. Can we look at Jesus and adore Him from birth to death? Can we focus on Him and drop everything when we sense His presence in a situation? Can I keep my attention on Him throughout my day? Can I remember to ask and concentrate on WWJD? (What would Jesus do?) Is it easier for me to maintain contact with Him when everything seems sweet and innocent or when I’m feeling rejected and the scene turns threatening?
Isaiah prophesied about a baby different from all others (Is. 9:6-7). More than wanting to kiss his cheeks or hold his tiny hands, I’m to bow down before Him in humility. He is all-powerful. He began and maintains every beat of our hearts and every breath. Our Creator. Mighty God. Wonderful Counselor. Everlasting Father. Prince of Increasing Peace. Head of all Governments. The Ellen White quote in our lesson today is beautiful. Jesus, even the baby Jesus, is not selfish. It’s Jesus’ self-sacrifice for others that defines Him throughout His whole earthly life, His existence before Bethlehem/Galilee and His existence since then, now and forevermore. Isn't it this about Him that we adore? All of those traits listed in Isaiah, without Self-denial, would be some sort of dictator, narcissist God, wouldn't they?
I was always puzzled because Isaiah 9:7 includes "everlasting father" as one of the names of the Deliverer, and in this study guide it implies the word father means that from Him all people have life, i.e. He is the Creator.
In that sense it ties up with Joh 1:1-3 ISV In the beginning, the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He existed in the beginning with God. (3) Through him all things were made, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made.
and
I and the Father are one . . . know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. (John 10:30, 38)
Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? (John 14:9–10a)
I realized that in the Old Testament the three partners of the Triune God were not as clearly understood as in the New Testament, thus calling the Deliverer Son and Father was not as contradictory as it seems to us.
Shirley are you implying- 'I realized that in the Old Testament the three partners of the Triune God were not as clearly understood as in the New Testament, thus calling the Deliverer Son and Father was not as contradictory as it seems to us.'
I personally don't believe so. The OT is clear and distinct in its description of the Godhead.
The men and women had a closer connection to the Godhead than us. They saw him in Person/Being. Moses saw Him several times and spoke with him and the people saw the after effects. He was clothed with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night for forty years. The heard his voice from the skies. They believed by sight, now we are believing by faith.
Psalm 78:1-72.
Psalm 106:1-48.
Lyn, what I meant was that in the Old Testament it is not specified that the Godhead is made up of three beings, however in the New Testament it is clear the Godhead is made up of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Although in the Old Testament, the Son of God sometimes appears to select people as the Angel of the LORD. We know that He is divine because He accepts worship, like from Manoah - Judges 13:20-22
and Joshua, who was told to take off His shoes because the ground was holy, just like Moses at the burning bush.
Jos 5:13-15 KJV And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? (14) And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? (15) And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
Abraham & Lot also fell on their faces to worship the Angel of the Lord, while in Rev the angel told John not to fall down and worship him Rev 22:8-9
Shirley I dont believe when the bible says 'the angel of the Lord it is referring to Jesus. eg
The imprisonment of Peter- Acts 12:7-11. Peter exclaimed, now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me.
Phillip encountered with the angel of the Lord- Acts 8:26-40.
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost were spoken of in the OT as in the new. Hear what Stephens said before they stoned him. Acts 7:51-60. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye.
Israel has been assymilated into Asyrian province and have almost lost their identity as God's chosen people. All around Judah is seeing darkness engulfing the earth. The greatest promise of the Messiah shines forth in the darkest hour. When human counsels fails, He is the wonderful counselor. When the might of man finds no strength to overcome, He is the mighty God. When the father's of our faith may perish, God alone is our everlasting father. He is the Great I am that I am.
Is the world challenging your faith? Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
God is wonderful! With all humanity's bad choices, Jesus still came to live and die for His creatures!
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him....
Gen 18:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them: and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. Gen 19:1
A Child for Us- What is his name?
Names matter and have meanings-
-Emmanuel- God with us. Matt 1:23.
-Jesus- Savior from sins. Matt 1:21
-Sampson means deliverer. He was to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines bondage. Judges 13:5
-Her name was Delilah, “the consumer.” {PP 565.1} She was sent and used to destroy/consume Sampson.
-Manasseh and Ephraim means- Gen 41:51-52
-Abraham- father of many nations- Gen 17:5
According to the KJV bible the word 'secret' was used and not 'wonderful'. When I read the bible and then read Mrs Write writing it does not say 'the angel of the Lord' was Jesus. Both the bible and her writing mentioned the 'angel of the Lord' can be an angel the Lord sent to do his bidding. Angels are used throughout the bible doing the Lord work. e.g Matt 24:31.
The woman sought her husband, and, after describing the Angel, she repeated His message. Then, fearful that they should make some mistake in the important work committed to them, the husband prayed, “Let the Man of God which Thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” {PP 560.3}
When the Angel again appeared, Manoah’s anxious inquiry was, “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” The previous instruction was repeated—“Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. She may not eat of anything that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.” {PP 560.4}
Many kings, judges and persons were used to deliver Israel out of physical bondage from their enemies. These men and woman delivered from physical bondage. As a result, they were called a deliverer.
While Jesus came as a Deliverer, he came to deliver human from spiritual bondage. His kingdom he came to established was a spiritual one and not a physical one as the disciples thought. He did not come to overthrow the Romans and to set up his earthy kingdom.
Maurice- you raised two points. I rejoiced for the 2nd observation. We SDA have to study the bible for ourselves and even Mrs White books. Many times SDA depends on others to study for them and everything that person says they agree. We are living in the closing time of earth's history and many will be deceived by well beloved people. Study, study, study my people.
Matt 24:4-51
When I think of Christ’s sacrifice for us, I think of the most precious thing on earth to me. Someone or something closer than anything else in this existence. Something that makes my life and experience fresh, interesting and challenges almost enjoyable. Then I think of sacrificing that particular person or thing so that others can experience good.
God gave so much more than that. He asks me in return, by His Spirit, to do the very same thing He did. God withheld nothing so that I wouldn’t be separated from Him. In sacrificing my all to Him, I imitate Him by withholding nothing that would separate me from Him.
It’s impossible to imagine the generosity of our Savior. In God becoming one with us, He gave us an overwhelming advantage over our spiritual enemies if we choose Him.
Through the arrival of Immanuel, the time has come where God's Holy Spirit of Truth is available for all man; man needs to know this and decide which spirit he will follow. It is difficult for the human mind to recognize that this mysterious relationship really exists, that we have been offered the way to build our life’s foundation on Trust and Faith in a God we cannot physically communicate with - John6:44KJV; Heb.11:6KJV. The mere thought that a God exists brings great distress to many minds.
Even the historical, miraculous event of Christ Immanuel’s birth and life is still being disputed by many, though the world really does not need to have any intellectual conflict with ‘believe’ since the formal recognition of His birth has been relegated to the realm of *tradition* and so with lost its spiritual relevance. The *Great Controversy* embroils everything that is spiritual!
To maintain his relationship with his God, man is admonished to exercise whole-hearted Believe, Faith and firm Will; the only three communication channels of our mind and heart available to man to make God real in our lives.
I am learning a lot from the events described in the book of Isaiah. It introduced me to the need, purpose, and work of mankind's Savior and reminds me that, having been designed after the Image of God, we are unable to survive as we struggle on our own; man needs to accept help from heaven!
Heavenly help arrived - ‘Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace’; names describing Him - His mission - offering man all that he needs in his struggles; to recognize that man has a heavenly Father who reaches out to his children with longing care to save them from destroying themselves.
The Son of God came to lead us and join the Father in divine holiness. What does He point out first and foremost, what does He emphasize in His teachings – are they not all His Father's character traits which, when engaged in, will bring about holiness?
Is not staying willfully ignorant of the Mercy expressed through the holy Character of God that which separates the unbeliever from the Father? Should man in his life not diligently avoid everything that separates him from his God?
My inner, spiritual life finally became peaceful after I accepted self-denial and self-sacrifice, finding that this is also required of all the hosts of Heaven. It is a pre-requisite for remaining in the presence of the Father. Self-pride and self-will have been adjusted to find their expression in the Glory and Will of God!
Lev.11:45KJV – “For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”