JP56: Unto Us, A Child Is Born: Four Ways Honoring Jesus Offers Hope In Babylon

Before video games captured masses in the tumultuous age of warring empires, the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires battled for real-world supremacy. Because of their rebellion against God’s loving plan, the people of Israel found themselves cowering and captive in Babylon.  

Their anxious life eclipsed God’s presence in a culture far from their custom and calling.  Unwilling to give up on His people, the Father sent the prophet Isaiah to share an encouraging message about a future hope and change of destiny.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (NIV, Isaiah 9:6–7)

The prophet's words encouraged God’s people by reminding them that even though they lived in exile, the Father had not forgotten His pledge.  One day, He would send the promised Messiah to reign over all the earth in majesty.  

Perhaps it’s helpful to recognize that we live in a foreign land as exiles.  Just as Isaiah’s prophecy encouraged and changed the followers of God in ancient times, we find eternal hope when we honor God’s kingly Son.

When the battles for cultural supremacy in our Babylon threaten to eclipse the presence of God within us, let us respond by imitating the humility of Jesus.

Practice His Humility

Jesus arrived in the most vulnerable way possible - as a human child.  Consider the humility of Jesus as the Heir of Heaven comes, not by a royal palace but in a stable surrounded by an audience of shepherds and animals.  

To Him, the Father assigns royalty and power born out of love, grace, and humility instead of greed.  We receive the grace of Jesus when we humble ourselves and look to Him as the governor of our souls when all other substitutes fall short.  This dynamic relationship changes us into a new creation, able to receive the glorious gifts of our king and extend them into a captive world.

Receive His Gifts

We have everything in Jesus, and His glorious gifts are accessible and unmatched in their effect.  When complexity overwhelms us, and we don't know what to do, He is our Wonderful Counselor.  When authorities succumb to worldly pressures and we feel powerless, He is our Mighty God.  When our aging bodies lose their edge and we face immortality, He is our Everlasting Father.  When the world's uncertainty floods us with panic and anxiety, He is our Prince of Peace.  While we can’t change our circumstances, these gifts change us and anchor our souls in every season and situation of life with a sustainable source of power and enduring stability.

Leverage His Power

Though Jesus comes to us as a child, His Kingdom emerges as a present reality and an eternal stronghold.  Jesus exercises His reign now through the body of Christ - His Church.  He also establishes the structures and authorities that provide governance around the world.  

And, while these systems struggle when operated by broken people, the day is coming when Jesus will reign supreme over His creation.  Until that coming day, we leverage His power through grace-empowered faith in the face of every adversity.  This posture keeps us grounded and hopeful in single-minded devotion as we trust Jesus’ sovereign reign and rule in an increasingly divided world.

Rest In His Zeal

Humility, spiritual gifts, and supernatural power come to us through the active zeal of God.  Instead of striving to receive these blessings and adopt the character of Jesus in an upside-down world, we can rest by grace through faith in the active work of God to sustain our souls and offer hope as no one else can.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, all of your plans and outcomes are glorious.  You are eternally excellent and deserving of praise.  I love you, Father.  Thank you for sending your Son, who reconciles me to you and adjusts my scattered and anxious thoughts into peace and contentment under your eternal reign.  Supply me with the grace needed to honor Jesus and welcome His arrival into every area of my life.  Amen.

Questions for Application:

1. Which character attribute of Jesus finds practical application to your present life? (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace)

2. How does the Holy Spirit want you to receive the gifts of Jesus?

3. In what area of life do you most need humility?

Unto Us, A Child Is Born: Four Ways Honoring Jesus Offers Hope In Babylon

1. Practice His Humility

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders.” v.6a

2. Receive His Gifts

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” v.6b

3. Leverage His Power

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” v.7a

4. Rest In His Zeal

“The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.’ v. 7b

Photo by Patrick Reichboth on Unsplash