Four Names for the Messiah

Merry Christmas!  As a gift for Christmas day here on The Electric Gospel, here's one more sample from the Advent booklet available from MLC Publications Seasonal Devotions page.

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Four Names for the Messiah

by Eunseo Yang

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 (Isaiah 9:6).

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Names have meaning. In Korean, 'eun' means grace and 'seo' means words, so my name (Eunseo) could mean “words of grace.”  In my language, 군사부일체 means king, teacher and father are one (like trinity).  It emphasizes the authority of such persons in society and that father, teacher and king offer the same merciful grace.

In Isaiah’s prophecy, although the Messiah is given four names, he is only one.

He is our Wonderful Counselor.  He himself is a wonder, and he solves for us things we cannot solve or explain.  He counsels us through troubles, overcoming them by his strength.  He guides us with his wisdom.

Since we are weak, we cannot stand against troubles on our own.  But Mighty God supports us. There is nothing he cannot do. He does miracles that are impossible to be explained by human science or power.

The Messiah is also called Everlasting Father.  What does that mean in reference to Jesus, God the Son?  The term “father” is being used like the Korean term I mentioned.  He is father in the sense of king and leader over us.  And his leadership never ends.  Jesus lives forever and leads us to life in heaven.  Jesus is with us always, in life and in death.

And this same Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  “He will reign … with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:7).  Imagine no wars, no strife, no disasters. With Jesus’ kingdom, it’s not imaginary. His government is real. When Jesus rules our hearts, peace comes to us.

Jesus has many names – and every name is true. He is love itself, King of kings, our Savior. Through him we have victory against evil.

• What names that God reveals for himself in the Bible have the most meaning for you?
• Explain why these names are meaningful for you.

Jesus, you are everything to us.  Keep our faith focused on you always, trusting your wisdom, your power, and your leadership.  Bring peace to our hearts.  Amen.

Eunseo (Grace) Yang is a member of East Seoul Lutheran Church, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

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This month, as we approached Christmas, The Electric Gospel has featured devotions from a booklet called The Coming of Christ: Promise Made, Promise Kept (for which I served as content editor).  To access the full book of Advent messages (including the one above by Grace Yang), go to the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC Publications. 

Anticipation

by Nicole Beglinger

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Christmas will soon be here. As a child, I was always excited for Christmas; it meant a new dress for the children’s service and of course, presents. As I have gotten older, Christmas remains a time of excitement, but for different reasons. I still get a new dress for Christmas Eve, but now I look forward to the time spent with family and friends more.

The season of Advent is all about anticipation, the preparation for the birth of the promised Messiah. The apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians pointed to the promise of the Messiah that the prophet Isaiah shared. Isaiah pointed out that God's Servant, Jesus, would be sent into the world to accomplish the Father’s work of saving all people from their sins. Advent therefore, looks ahead not only to the birth of Christ, but also to his saving work on Good Friday and his victory on Easter Sunday.

The apostle Paul was declaring that the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus have been fulfilled.  God’s favor has been shown to us through Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection to save all people. The day of salvation is now—we have been released from the captivity of sin and the devil, and we can rejoice in the forgiveness of sins and life in heaven with our Savior. Now we anticipate Jesus’ return to this earth to take us home to be with him.

This Christmas, do not anticipate just the presents and the time spent with family, anticipate the wonderful Easter message and share the good news of our salvation with others—now!

1. What things about Christmas fill you with anticipation?
2. How can you share the good news of Jesus today?

Dear Savior, we praise and thank you for becoming a man to live the perfect life we could not, for dying the death we deserved, and for rising again to assure us of life in heaven. In this busy time of year, help us to remember what Christmas is all about. Lead us to find anticipation in the certainty of heaven and use us to share the good news with others that we meet. Amen.

Nicole Beglinger is a kindergarten teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Norfolk, Nebraska.

• This month The Electric Gospel has been featuring devotions penned for a booklet called The Coming of Christ: Promise Made, Promise Kept.  To access the full book of Advent messages (including the one above by Nikki Beglinger), go to the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC Publications. 

Is it near yet?

by Justin Shrum

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:1-2).

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Near is an adverb or adjective used in relation to time or distance, and people use that term in many different ways.  We say phrases like “dinner is drawing near” or “that cat keeps coming near me” or even “Christmas is nearly here.”  However, the use of near is completely subjective in the mind of the person speaking and of the person receiving the message. 

Growing up I would ask to open my presents before Christmas.  My mother would say, “Not yet, darling; Christmas is nearly here.”  In the mind of my mother, “near” was December 1 onward.   “Near” for me was when the first present showed up under the tree.

As John was baptizing at the Jordan River, what did “near” mean to him?  Did John consider “near” being when his cousin Jesus would begin his ministry of saving souls and forgiving sins?  How did the people of Israel, hearing John’s message, understand “near”?   God had come near to his people in the person of Jesus. 

Jesus is near and dear to our hearts because his kingdom is present within us.  His kingdom is near right now because his providential hand is with you and me every minute of every day in every place on earth and in every situation.  

1. How has Jesus demonstrated his “nearness” to you today?
2. How can you apply John’s words -- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” -- to your life of sanctification?

Heavenly Father, thank you for drawing me near to you.  Let me never doubt your presence; you are not an absent God but my merciful and loving king who rules in my life for my eternal good.  With all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, I cry out “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” Amen.

Justin Shrum is serving as vicar at St. John Lutheran Church, Minneapolis MN.

This month The Electric Gospel is featuring devotions penned for a booklet called The Coming of Christ: Promise Made, Promise Kept.  To access the full book of Advent messages (including the one above by Justin Shrum), go to the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC Publications. 

Are you listening?

Deuteronomy 18:15 –  The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.

A Prophet Like Moses Will Come

by Amanda Becker

It happened again, as it had happened many times before.   I had given my students directions for an important assignment.  Immediately a hand went up and a student asked the dreaded question: “So what do we have to do?”

My immediate thought was, “Didn’t I just explain this thirty seconds ago?”

Have you experienced this with your own children, family, friends, or coworkers? Have you ever found yourself asking the words: “Are you even listening to me?”

            Can you imagine how Moses felt every time the Israelites didn’t listen to him and God’s commands? How many times did he have to tell them to stop worshiping false idols, stop complaining, stop mistrusting the Lord? Can’t they just follow directions?

How many times have we been like the Israelites, not listening to the Lord? How many times aren't we like children, asking, "So, what do we have to do?" when God has already told us. But instead of turning away from us in frustration, God sent us a teacher whose word we needed most of all. He sent a prophet like Moses but better than Moses – his very own Son, Jesus. We listen to Jesus because our very souls and eternal life are at stake. The ultimate Prophet, Jesus, tells us, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24).

Are you listening to Jesus?

1. What are some different ways we can be a good listener to our loved ones?
2. How are our lives changed when we listen to Jesus’ promises?

Dear Lord, forgive me when I fail to listen to your commands. I never have to demand to be heard by you, for you always listen to my heart.  You are a God of love and forgiveness. Please help me to be a more loving listener to you and to the people in my life, and forgive me when I stumble. Amen.

Amanda Becker teaches 8^th grade at Apostles Lutheran School, San Jose CA.

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During December, here on The Electric Gospel we are featuring devotions penned by writer friends of mine for a devotion booklet called, The Coming of Christ: Promise Made, Promise Kept. This devotion by Amanda Becker is included in the booklet.   If you want to access an online version of the whole Advent devotion booklet, you can access that at the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC publications.

The Son of Man Will Come with Power and Glory

by Tracy Siegler

But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;  the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’  “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.  (Mark 13:24-27).

The world pushes its Christmas on us.  Lists – gifts to give, parties to attend, things to buy, goodies to make, decorations, cards, who is visiting whom, and when, and for how long?  Do all you possibly can to make sure everyone is as happy as possible!  Christmas is coming! 

Christians push the world’s Christmas aside.  During these weeks we remember that God came to this world long ago to live among humans.  Our joy is deeper though, because he will come again!  It won’t be a silent night when he comes the second time.  It will be a horrifying time for those who do not know Jesus, but for his people who are still on earth it will be an awesome sight – Jesus’ great power and glory will be on display for all to see, and he will be gathering his people from all corners of the earth.  This time the angels’ message of peace will only be for those whose hearts, by grace, are already his.

The world’s Christmas looks for the perfect gift – the perfect decorations – the perfect experience of wonder – the perfect act of charity to warm the hearts of others. But we Christians are looking for Jesus.  We are looking for him to come as he promised he would.

·         In what way could your Christmas celebrations be a representation or reminder of Christ’s second coming?

·         How could you talk about Christ’s second coming with those who are focused on “the world’s Christmas”?

Lord Jesus, it is good to remember and celebrate your first coming to earth to live among us.  Thank you for humbling yourself to be born as a lowly human baby so that you could live perfectly in my place and die for my imperfections.  As I commemorate your birth, keep your second coming on my mind as well.  Help me to be always ready to see you in glory.  Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

Tracy Siegler, wife of an Air Force pilot and mother of two elementary-aged sons is a member at Christ Alone in Fort Worth, TX and serves on the WELS Women’s Ministry Committee.  

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During December, here on The Electric Gospel we are featuring devotions penned by writer friends of mine for a devotion booklet called, The Coming of Christ: Promise Made, Promise Kept.  Tracy's devotion (above) is included in the booklet.   If you want to access an online version of the whole Advent devotion booklet, you can access that at the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC publications.

Who's got your back?

Welcome to the season of Advent!  For this Advent, the college where I serve has published a booklet of 25 Advent devotions -- one for each day of December up to Christmas Day.  The devotions were prepared by writers I've worked with in various courses over the years.  At times during this month, I'll feature some of those devotions also here on The Electric Gospel.   The devotion below, listed for December 2, was penned by Ruth Luehring.   If you want to access an online version of the whole Advent devotion booklet, you can access that at the Seasonal Devotions page of MLC publications.

The Lord’s Promise to Abraham

by Ruth Luehring

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you”  (Genesis 12:3).

            “Don’t worry.  I’ve got your back.”  This phrase is used often as reassurance to those who are afraid of what lies ahead: the big brother who sees his little brother scared of the bully at school, the dad who helps his child learn to ride a bike, a teenager who sees her friend crying over school drama, the coworker scared he will lose his job because of an overly demanding boss. 

            Abraham was worried about the future too.  God had just told him to leave his home and travel until God said, “This is your new home.”  Yet his heavenly Father reminded Abraham, “I’ve got your back.” God had a plan for Abraham, and through Abraham’s descendent Jesus he would fulfill his plan to save the world.

            The unknown future is a frightening place for us to look.  What troubles will be ahead?  Yet, we know God’s got our back.  As we prepare for Christmas, we are reminded of many joys, sorrows, celebrations, and letdowns that the holiday season can bring.  Don’t let these get in the way of our true celebration of our Savior’s birth.  Our Lord will continue to be by our side in the future just as he has in the past.  Through the birth of a baby named Jesus, he defeated death, the devil, and our sinfulness.  We are part of God’s plan.  No temptation and trial will we face alone because we have a heavenly Father who’s got our back.

1.      What are some things that make you nervous or scared about the future?  What Bible promises can comfort you during these times?

2.      Discuss some times when God’s protection and care were apparent to you in your life.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, though we face trials and are scared of the unknown, strengthen us in your promises.  Keep us close to you as we remember and celebrate your plan of salvation for us, beginning with the birth of your Son, Jesus.   Thank you for your promise and fulfillment of salvation.  As we travel into the unknown each day, help us to trust and rely on your promises.  Amen.

Ruth Luehring teaches at East Fork Lutheran School, Whiteriver AZ.