Finding Hope in Bible Prophecyናሙና

The Hope of a Great Future King and Kingdom—Isaiah 9:6-7

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.

What bright hope this prophecy offers! Here, Isaiah pens majestic words about a King and kingdom that could never be adequately described. Most likely you’ve experienced the disappointment that comes when it turns out that a person you’ve long admired isn’t all you thought they were. That will never happen with Christ. He is exceedingly more than we can ever imagine. Words cannot capture how infinitely great He is.

In this prophecy, the Lord Jesus Christ is described as a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ possesses all wisdom and all power, and He is eternal. He will rule with perfect love, perfect judgment, and perfect peace.

In contrast, the kings and rulers of this world are imperfect and incapacitated by sin. Because of their fallen and finite condition, inevitably they make mistakes and disappoint us. As mortal beings, they come and are gone, so they can offer no assurance of what the future holds. The best of what human leaders can offer is but temporary—it won’t last. As a result, people live in a state of instability and uncertainty. For these reasons, the world is left without hope.

Isaiah’s words are filled to overflowing with hope—so much so that every time we read them, our anticipation for the future increases. This prophecy makes us excited about what lies ahead. Whenever we get discouraged about all that is happening around us, a reading of Isaiah 9:6-7 can help us turn our eyes heavenward in hope. This is the King we will serve, and it is in His kingdom that we will live!

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” is a powerful exclamation that affirms the absolute certainty that Jesus will return and will reign.