December 21
Kris Perkins, Associate Minister
In the Ancient Near East when a king was acknowledged in various types of inscriptions, a long string of epithets often accompanied his name describing the characteristics of the ruler as well as the extent of his dominion. One inscription of Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC), now called the East India Inscription, begins, “I am Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, the exalted prince, the favorite of the god Marduk, the beloved of the god Nabu, the arbiter, the possessor of wisdom, who reverences their lordship, the untiring governor who is constantly anxious for the maintenance of the shrines of Babylonia and Borsippa, the wise, the pious, the son of Nabopolasser, king of Babylon.”
One hundred years earlier through Spirit-filled inspiration, Isaiah proclaimed the coming of a king employing a similar titulary structure, “He will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6)
How Isaiah himself must have been taken back by the words which came from his mouth! We find in these four epithets a chiasm of extraordinary revelation. The first and the last titles of this future king, “Wonderful Counselor” and “Prince of Peace,” are noble attributes of a godly man. The middle two names, “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father,” can only rightly belong to a divine being, a claim that you do not find in the description of Nebuchadnezzar or other kings of that period. The one of whom it is said, “of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end as he reigns on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever,” will not only be a man, but he indeed will be God. The God-Man… what an unprecedented prediction!
What amazing news was shared by the apostles as they preached Christ throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth while capturing their message in letters and gospels written for the benefit of the churches, that a king had come who uniquely fulfilled what Isaiah anticipated – a living, reigning Lord who was both man and God. What sweet confirmation this is within our own hearts as we witness the woven tapestry of ‘prophecy spoken – prophecy fulfilled’ throughout the scriptures which bolsters our faith in Christ whose reign shall have no end.