Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Isaiah
Scripture: 1 John 4:1 Romans 5:1 Matthew 28:18 John 1:1 Mark 12:17 Matthew 7:28-29 Isaiah 9:6
Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What's in a Name?
Names are important. In fact, they are so important that the maker of Jelly Belly jelly beans puts the name of that candy on every little bean so consumers can distinguish them from "impostors." The chairman of the company said, "We want to guarantee consumers they are eating the best jelly beans on the market."
The same can be said for Jesus. There are many impostors who lay claim to the title of Christ. Billy Graham once noted that there are more than 2,000 people in the United States who claim to be a Messiah. Cult leaders such as Marshall Applewhite of Heaven's Gate and David Koresh of the Branch Davidians posed as Messianic figures, but led their followers to disaster.
Isaiah, however, says that the real Messiah will fulfill the roles of the Wonderful One, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Only one person has fulfilled all those names—Jesus Christ. His counsel has been wonderful (Matt. 7:28-29; Mark 12:17). His power has been irresistible (Matt. 28:18). He has forever existed with the Father (John 1:1). And He alone is able to bring us peace (Rom. 5:1).
Don't be deceived by impostors. They may claim to be the Messiah, but they lack the obvious imprint of His names. They may appear to be genuine, but the apostle John warned, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). There is only one Messiah, the Lord Jesus.
Don't settle for less than the real thing—Jesus Christ.
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