December 18, 2002
Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7

 

“Unto us a Son is given” (6)

 

Our reading begins, “For unto us a Child is born.” So what? Children are born by the thousands every day. What makes this particular birth different and noteworthy? The immediate thought is that this “Child” was conceived in a unique way. Through the genealogical line of Jesus the Bible records the father “begot” the son. With Jesus, this normal means of propagation in His line ceased. It could not be said, “Joseph begot Jesus.” Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and this news was first told to Joseph (Matt 1:20). The fact that Jesus was born without the physical participation of Joseph or any other man makes Him unique in the history of mankind. Departing from the normal means of conception was necessary so that He could be born without sin. The sinful nature passed down in every conception and birth since Adam was interrupted by the act of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was and is fully man for He was born of Mary, but He is also fully God for He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Our text, however, tells us “Unto us a Son is given.” The Child was born, but the Son was given. This is the essence of the gospel. The New Testament writings excel in statements that God gave His Son and that He was sent by His Father. Jesus is God’s Gift and we are the recipients of that Gift – “Unto us a Son is given.” But, as we know, a gift is not a gift unless it is received. When Jesus came into the world, His own (the Jews) did not receive Him” (John 1:11), “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (12). The Bible also tells us what motivated God to give us the wonderful gift of His Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16. Love was God’s motive – everlasting love - love that is beyond our comprehension.

Our scripture reading goes on to announce some phenomenal facts. This Child becomes a Mighty God; This Son becomes the Everlasting Father, and this Baby becomes the Prince of Peace. Not only God, Father and Prince, but Governor of an everlasting kingdom, one that will have no end. The responsibility of this kingdom rests squarely on His shoulders and He will govern it with judgment and justice. Every judgment will be just because sin cannot influence it – His Father was the Holy Spirit, not Joseph. Every word can be trusted, so much so that we can cast our eternal welfare on His promises. That which He has promised He can and will perform. Someone once wrote, “Let God be true and every man a liar.” Such sinless justice enables us to say, “If God said it, I believe it.” We do not need to understand the words of God to trust them. The governing of His kingdom is that which occupies Jesus, the Son who was given to us, until His promised return. He is preparing a place for us in heaven while He intercedes to His Father on our behalf. He is preparing His Bride, the church, for that glorious day when He takes it (us, to whom He was given) as His Spouse. When that day comes, He will give His kingdom to His Father (1 Cor 15:24), and will reside with His Bride for all eternity. All this because “Unto us a Child is born, and unto us a Son is given.” How do we know these things are true and will happen? “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.”