N is for Names
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Is. 9:6
Names have a different significance today than they have in other contexts and in previous cultures. In the Old Testament and New Testament era, names told you something about the person, about who they were and what they stood for. The names above that describe Jesus in this verse have that great significance.
First consider the nouns. Counselor: he is an adviser, one who gives wisdom or insight to us, from God. God: Jesus is equal with God because he is God. Father: his rule follows the pattern of the divine fatherhood in his care and concern for his people. Prince: he comes as ruler, as royalty, as one who leads his people.
Second, consider the adjectives that describe each noun and “super-size” each noun, making the names even greater. Wonderful: he is the supernatural counselor giving counsel from God. Mighty: this word describes our God Jesus as a great warrior, able to defeat the enemy. Everlasting: his fatherly care and concern last forever, they have no end. Peace: the Prince brings peace to our relationship with God, and to our lives as we trust him.
These four names are an incredible mouthful! Think about them, consider them, meditate on them, allow God to teach you that he is the name above all names.
I Commend Joy! 