Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Everlasting Father.”
Guest writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz.com
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.
READ
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you.
He drives out the enemy before you;
he cries out, ‘Destroy them!
REFLECT & PRAY
Another comforting characteristic of God is that he is eternal and everlasting. When we are facing adversaries, it feels like our struggles will last for eternity. But God’s everlasting arms are longer and greater than those of our enemies, and he will bring the victory to those who love him. He commands us to “Destroy them!”, which suggests that he is inviting us to take part in his victory with our actions.
Indeed, in many battles described in the Old Testament, the LORD says “I will give so-on-so into your hands,” and yet the Israelites still had to go and fight. If the enemy is already defeated, then why go and fight instead of doing nothing? Perhaps we are to take part in God’s mission.
Through our God we shall do valiantly; it is he who treads down our enemies. (Ps 108:13). And yet, we take part in the “treading down” and share in God’s victory. While we are battling, we may get hurt. However, he has promised us that we can take refuge in him. He enfolds us like an eagle trying to protect its eaglets.
I hope these images give you an idea of what it is like to be under his wings. They protect us forever.
OBEY
Are there any areas in your life where you feel like you are facing adversaries, whether physical (an individual or organization, an illness or injury) or spiritual (temptations, addictions, distractions)?
Spend some time over the next few days asking your Father to make you aware of his everlasting arms surrounding you, protecting and fighting for you. Ask God if there is any way he is inviting you to participate as he fights on your behalf.