HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED THE EVERLASTING FATHER!

Isaiah 9:6  "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon His shoulder:  and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"

Celebrating Christmas in the Old Testament. Isaiah saw it all in advance. From the virgin birth to the coming kingdom. Let's look at the different dimensions of the deity of Jesus Christ . Look at the names Isaiah used to describe the character of Jesus. Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God. This was more than a birth – it was an incarnation. God taking on human form

“His name shall be called the Everlasting Father.” What does “Everlasting Father” imply? He is timeless – He is God our Father. He is God – one with the Father from everlasting to everlasting. He is the Father – or Source – of eternity. He not only would come to reveal the Heavenly Father, but He Himself would act toward His people as a compassionate Father who loves, guards, protects and supplies the needs of His children

The Everlasting One entered time. Why did Jesus have to be born in Bethlehem? It was required by the prophecy in Micah. Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” The Everlasting one must enter time – enter the world – through Bethlehem.

Why was Bethlehem chosen?. The first mention of Bethlehem was as the place of Rachel's death (Gen 35:15-20). It was known as a place of sorrows. Jesus was to be a Man of Sorrows (Is 53:3). It was the place of David's birth and anointing (1 Samuel 16).

Bethlehem-Ephratah means “house of bread”. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He satisfies hungry hearts. What was the Savior's future and past? It was to be Ruler in Israel (Micah 5:2). “...from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2)

The Everlasting One made Himself subject to time. The miracles of the incarnation (Phil 2:5-8). Our Lord's pre-incarnate position (Vs 6) “Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God” Made Himself of no reputation (Vs 7). Took upon Himself the form of a servant (Vs 7). Made in the likeness of men (Vs 7). Humbled Himself and died on the cross for us (Vs 8) “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

In all this He became subject to time. He was born at a particular time (Luke 2:1-7). He experienced growth over time (Luke 2:52). In birth and in death, Jesus was on time. Galatians 4:4-6 “But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father”

For centuries the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come – but God's timing was perfect. We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers. But we must never doubt Him or give up hope. At the right time – God's time – He will respond. Are your waiting for God's timing for something in your life? Trust His judgment for your best interests.

Now He is alive forevermore. Revelation 1:18 “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death”

The subjects of time are offered eternal life. We are all subjects of time. At birth, we begin to age. Time takes it's toll on each of us. We leave life much as we entered life. By faith in Jesus we receive everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. There is a two-fold revelation in this. He inhabits and possesses eternity (Is 57:15). He is loving, tender, compassionate, an all wise Instructor, Trainer and Provider. He is the Author of everlasting life and happiness

What will you do with God's offer of everlasting life? Receive it by faith while you have time. We're not talking just about eternity – we're talking an abundant life down here now! As a Christian, are you walking in the victory and joy God has for you? Or are you living beneath your privileges as a Child of God? He is the Everlasting Father – our Provider, our Strength Giver, our Source for everything we need to live the life He desires us to live

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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