Scholars are divided as to
whether “Wonderful” in the quote from Isaiah 9:6 is an adjective
describing His Name “Counsellor,” or it is is one of Christs many
Names. It is an important question, since of names in the Hebrew
culture have great significance. To the Hebrews, a name was not
just a label, something sounding nice, or a way for us to
know who we were speaking to or about. To the Hebrews a person's name
was thought of as being equivalent to the person himself, and
among other things, also signified their worth, character,
reputation and authority. We see for example the Holy Spirit saying
“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their
garments” (Revelation 3:4). The NIV translates “Name” in Greek
as “persons, ” but literally it is “name.” In regard to
God, we sing praises to His Name (Psalm 18:49). Since “those who
know their God will do exploits (Daniel 11:32), then we need to get
to know the Names of our God!
The Hebrew word translated here as “wonderful,”
also has the sense of incomprehensible, remarkable and secret (see
Judges 13:18). And certainly Jesus is all of these things. The
word “wonderful” means of a sort that causes, or arouses
wonder, amazement and astonishment. But along with the loss of a love
of learning we have lost our sense of wonder, and we rejected
anything that smacks of mystery. I hear people say that they don't
believe in Trinity, because the don't understand it. But if you
understood God, you would be God! It is all part of the enemy's plan
in the West to hoodwink us into believing that the material is all
there is. Of course his other tactic, if that does not work, is to
persuade us he exists and has more power than he does. But reality is
not a duality, the devil is not equal and opposite to God. And the
only power he has, is that which we have given him. But enough about
him!
I have a book that one day I might get round to
reading (I have more books that I have not read ...). It's called
“The evidential power of beauty,” by Thomas Dubay. His contention
is that beauty is the place where Science and theology meet. Some
have tried to explain beauty in terms of evolution as "the
survival of the prettiest,” but what about the beauty of creation,
of a sunset, or of music, or great literature, or the
ability to inspire to greatness? What is the survival utility
of these things? Dubay's thesis is confirmed by Scripture that tells
us “the heavens declare the Glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). And
who created all these things? It is the Lord of Glory, the Lord
of wonder, and truly is His Name and character and persona are
wonderful. And this does not even start to mention His work in
salvation. But you may ask “Isn't nature terrible too, red in tooth
and claw? And I answer yes nature is both wonderful and terrible,
just like our God who is also a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
Lord Jesus, great and marvelous are your works,
and just and true are Your ways. Who will not fear You, our awesome
and terrible God (Nehemiah 9:32)? But perfect love casts out all
fear, and so we have confidence in the day of Your coming (1
John 2:28). Lord please restore our appreciation of the wonder of who
You are, in Your precious Name Amen
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