Job Description of the Messiah

Between Genesis and Isaiah there are hints about the coming child (1). This passage fills out the story. Into darkness, light will come, coming from Galilee where Jesus grew up and began his public ministry. As light of the world he dispels the darkness of ignorance and evil.

Verses 6-7 is His job description. The Messiah (Anointed One) unlike us, who shrink from taking responsibility, has broad shoulders and the buck stops with Him. He is up to the task.  He will bring leadership to the drifting, wisdom to the uncertain and justice to the exploited. He will give direction to the drifting, forgiveness to the failing and clarity to the confused. Let Handel’s Messiah play, as you reflect on the Coming One. (2)

He is a “Wonderful Counsellor.”  Jesus was never wrong-footed, stuck for an answer or tempted to be “economical with the truth.”  His answers were powerful, penetrating and still have the ring of truth about them.  His questions and teaching laid bare the human heart. He unerringly diagnosed the needs of those He met, providing wise counsel. Nothing we face leaves Him uncertain or indecisive. He should be first port of call, not the last.

He is “Mighty God.”  We see His power whether stilling of the storm, feeding the 5000, healing the sick or raising the dead.  As the disciples travelled with him they had to constantly revise their opinion, until they confess “You are the Christ (or Messiah), the son of the Living God” (3) or as Thomas said “My Lord and my God” (4). He can make all the difference to our lives and transform situations and people.

He is “Everlasting Father”. Philip once asked Jesus “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (5) Jesus replied, “He who has seen me has seen the Father”. Here is God at ground level, God with skin on, able to be seen and touched. Moreover, it was Jesus who taught His followers to call God “Father,” even using the intimate word “Abba,” or “Daddy.”  For 2000 years Christians have learned to pray using the words Jesus taught “Our Father…” (6)

He is “Prince of Peace.” In Hebrew, “peace” or “shalom” means right relationships. Jesus sorts out our dysfunctional relationships. We lose peace with ourselves and study psychology. We get into tension with others and study sociology. We spoil the world around us and study ecology. Supremely we are distanced from God and so study theology. Jesus came to reconcile us to God and bring peace. Then He wants us to be at peace with our world, with others and in ourselves.  Rejoice as you reflect on Who the baby born at Bethlehem really is.

1. g. Gen 49:10; Numbers 24:17; 2 Samuel 7:13; Isaiah 7:14
2. Handel’s Messiah, an oratoria written in 1741.
3. Matthew 16:16
4. John 20:28
5. John 14:8, 9
6. Matthew 6:9-13