The Christmas Warrior King

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6)

Christmas, the birth of Jesus. Let’s take the manger story, and see Jesus in light of Isaiah’s declaration.  This verse is sung in carols, beautifully gold leafed across our Christmas cards, even quoted by those who don’t have a clue WHO Jesus is. But have we really considered the fact that THE Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace was … given … to … US!  ‘For unto us…’   That is YOU and me. Not just the shepherds watching their flocks by night, or the wise men who out witted the Herod dude. (see Luke 2:8-20 // Matthew 2:1-12)

Last week we looked at Wonderful Counselor, today Mighty God. 

At first glance we would assume, it is just a two word religious name used to describe just how big God is. BIG He is. Yet this is NOT the intent of this prophetic disclosure.

Sadly, many in society today see Jesus as weak, the man in a white robe knocking on a door. For some, they leave Jesus in the manger as a swaddled babe, meek and mild with a hovering halo above His head. Mighty God.
 
‘Mighty’ in the Hebrew (gibbor) renders a militant theme. STRONG, BRAVE, VITALITY, THAT OF A SUCCESSFUL RULER. (emphasis made to express the magnitude of the word) It can even be translated as ‘HERO’. Boy doesn’t our culture need a ‘hero’ and hand raising allegiance !!
 
If we could take the same energy found at a pro basketball game … as the star player runs down the court, his name yelled from all corners of the arena, taking a few steps he launches himself up, releasing the ball … (take a breath) Taking THAT energy, praise, inawe-ness (YES, that is a word … now) that allegiance, the same worship and spend it on JESUS, the One declared … WORTHY. (see Revelation 5) WOW.  Take THAT opposing team!  Mighty God. 
 
The culture of Isaiah’s day, as found in the Semitic language was also seen in word picture imagery as ‘to rise, raise, strong or prevailing.’  What a wonderful picture, the Warrior-King arising. Psalm 68:1 “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate him flee before him.”  Here the picture is God rising up, with all power & authority. This is very serious and something to be feared. I say “Wahoo ~ God’s standin UP … look out!”   Now THAT would be an arena Hero experience! Mighty God.
 
HOWEVER, with all this ‘mighty’ strength and warrior muscle bearing, there is gentleness. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty (gibbor) to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Interesting, the word translated here for ‘quiet’ means ‘engrave.’ While God is flexing His muscles with power & authority to save you, he ‘engraves’ His love on you.’ Now that is some heavy ‘gentle’ Warrior King lov’in goin on! Mighty God.
 
Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, HOWEVER no longer in the manger, He is strong, brave, risen, successful ruler, our Warrior King. Mighty God.
 
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given …”
 
In Him, DeDe (‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ Heb.10:24)
Lambs Expressions Ministry