The Portent

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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7

A “portent” is a noun, an exceptionally excellent person or thing. We have to remember that the Bible was written in particular time and culture. There were unique meanings to words and events that are lost to us today and take some effort to recover. The danger is that we sometimes read our modern understanding into the text. When Isaiah talks about this marvelous advent, a birth announcement, what was he trying to communicate? This baby would change everything.

The birth of an heir to the throne is hard to comprehend in our day today. But we have to understand that this sort of proclamation was a big deal. In this passage, we see the heir to King David. And not just an heir, this next ruler was announced to come with peace, justice, and reform. Jesus brings with Him the fulfillment of everything longed for. This is not your average advent; this is a foreshadowing of a great Portent. One who came to be God with us and one who will return to restore all things. Let your mind be focused on what Jesus brought with Him the first time and what He will do when He returns.

DO THIS TODAY: Thank God for the announcement of Jesus.