For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Today we come to the third title Isaiah gives for this child, this son upon whose shoulders the government would rest. His name will be called “Everlasting Father.” We naturally wonder how someone prophesied as a son and a child can also be a father. However, Isaiah is using the title “Everlasting Father” to point to this child’s role as the provider and protector of His people. This child would be the ideal King.

Other passages of Scripture use the term “father” in similar ways. Later in Isaiah, a high-ranking official named Eliakim is given authority, and the Lord says that he shall be a “father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah” (Isaiah 22:21). Job uses the term to emphasize His care and provision for those in need: “I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know” (Job 29:16).

A good father wants to take care of his children. I want to do this for my kids, even though I know I am an imperfect father with imperfect love. But Jesus is the “Mighty God” (see Day 17) and the “Everlasting Father” who is able to care for us, provide for us, and love us perfectly. He is, in this sense, a perfect father.

Even the best earthly fathers are imperfect, and I know that many people do not have a good relationship with their dad. If that’s you, I want to encourage you to lift your eyes and see that you have a perfect Father in heaven. And Jesus, the Son sent by God the Father to save you from your sins, cares for you as a dad cares for his children. And He will do this forever and ever, for He is our “Everlasting Father.”

PRAYING IN LIGHT OF TODAY’S PASSAGE

Praise God for His gracious provision and protection through Christ’s wise and gracious rule over your life.