In the first part of this series on the names Jesus was prophesied to be called I covered His name “Wonderful Counselor.” In this post His Name Shall Be Called…’Mighty God.‘ You see Christmas, the time Christians around the world celebrate the birth of our Savior, is more than a miraculous story of mangers, shepherds, wise men, angels, and stars. As glorious and wonderful as the night of His birth was, the story and the miracle extends into eternity past and to the prophets of old who looked for and prophesied to this glorious redemption through the birth of Jesus…’Mighty God.’
A question I often ask myself is, “can words really articulate and accurately identify who Christ is and what the nature and scope of His mighty power is? Sometimes, I think no, because as mere humans we cannot understand an infinite and omnipotent Savior and God. But we use words and the prophets used the words God inspired them to write to give us a glimpse of the “mightiness,” and “powerfulness” of Christ the Savior and God.
Why Call Jesus ‘Mighty God?’
In the original Hebrew this word ‘mighty’ in Isaiah 9:6 is tied to God, or the Hebrew word ‘el. This Hebrew word of God, ‘el, is rarely used without some form of adjective or descriptive word tied to it. In this verse the description is ‘mighty’ God. So the question becomes “why call Jesus ‘Mighty God?'” The reason we can call Him, ‘Mighty God’ is because of the creative strength, might, and power that are in Him. John 1:3 informs us that “All things were made by Him, and without Him not anything made was made.” Paul affirms this in Colossians 1:16, 17 where he writes: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” When you think of the creative power and might of man, we all know how limited it is. We can only create from something that already exists. Yet Jesus, the Mighty God, created from nothing. He brought it all into existence, all the physical and visible matter as well as all that is ‘invisible’ including dominions, principalities, and powers that humans may not even know exist. To do this takes a Mighty God. Jesus himself declared this mighty in Matthew 28:18 that “…all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” No might, no power, no strength is withheld from Jesus the Mighty God.
I conclude with quoting Hebrews 1 from the New Living Translation Bible:
” 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. 5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” 6 And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” 7 Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.” 8 But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 9 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” 10 He also says to the Son, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. 12 You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.” 13 And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” 14 Therefore, angels are only servants–spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”
His name, Jesus’ name, shall be called ‘Mighty God.’
Do you call, serve, and follow Jesus as ‘Mighty God?’ When we recognize Jesus as our Mighty God, we will live differently and allow Him to rule our life.
— Keith Fife
Other posts in this series:
His Name Shall Be Called…Wonderful Counselor
His Name Shall Be Called…Everlasting Father
His Name Shall Be Called…Prince of Peace
His Name Shall Be Called…Immanuel
His Name Shall Be Called…Jesus
Podcast: His Name Shall Be Called… (Length 30 min.)
I’m still learning to worship and walk with this Mighty God! Truly it is brighter as the years go by and we look forward to that perfect day in HIm. An awesome message!