Throughout the year, I send greeting cards. But my title changes according to the relationship with the recipient: Auntie, Grandma, GiGi, Mom, Sister, Friend.
In the verse from Isaiah the prophet, a promise is given to Israel, which is for everyone. Not a flimsy, breakable, unreliable promise from one of Israel’s corrupt kings, but a promise from the King of kings. Isaiah predicted that One is coming who bears many titles: Child, Son, Governor, Counselor, God, Father, and Prince of Peace. That one is Jesus Christ, and 650 years after Isaiah wrote the words, Jesus was born on earth.
Jesus’ earthly parents knew Him well as a child. But could they have dreamed in their wildest imagination that His birth fulfilled prophecies dating back to Adam and Eve? As He taught His closest disciples and the thousands who followed Him, He often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. By doing so, He identified with our often-painful human journey, where storms assail, disease attacks, fatigue slows, loss grieves, and death separates.
Jesus displayed His governing power over heaven and earth as He cast out demons, healed the sick, fed thousands on a child’s lunch, and raised the dead. He is always in complete control. No power can rule over Him.
Jesus counseled His followers to follow God’s two greatest commandments: to love the Lord with our whole being and to love others as He loves us. His parables concerning God’s kingdom illustrate these two laws.
Finally, Jesus’ titles—Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace — complete the verse. To unpack these descriptions of Him requires reading the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation, as well as a life dedicated to love and obedience. For if Jesus is almighty, who can stand against Him? If Jesus is eternal, His love and promises never end. And if He is the Prince of Peace, all wars, whether in the heart or between people and nations, will eventually cease.
The good news is that in the center of Jesus’ title as Almighty and Eternal God, He is personal. He sees you, knows you, and loves you. He desires to make His home in your heart. When you lay your sins down at His cross, you will know Him under another title: Savior.
Reach out to Jesus today. He’s only a prayer away.
Grace Assante has enjoyed various writing projects over the years, and after attending the 2022 Asheville Christian Writers Conference, she was inspired to learn the craft of writing well and not to give up on her dreams of publication. She and her husband live in Brooklyn, New York, and are blessed with three grown children, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and three adorable grandkids. She enjoys traveling, reading, taking long walks with her husband, and meeting friends for coffee.