Hello Beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus’ name as “Counselor.” The previous month, we considered the name of “Wonderful.” This month we will examine the name of “Mighty God.” As with the names “Wonderful” and “Counselor,” “Mighty God” is descriptive of the Immanuel child who is “God with us.” In Isaiah 9:6 we read, “For 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.” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“Mighty God” is transliterated as the “El Gibbor” in the Hebrew language. In relation to identifying Jesus as God, we find several passages in the New Testament that attribute deity to Jesus. In Philippians 2:6, the Apostle Paul writes of Jesus, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” Philippians 2:6 (ESV). The word for form (morphe) bears the connotation of the “essence” of the thing reflected fully and truly. Jesus is the very essence of God. In John 1:1, the Apostle John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1 (ESV). The “Word” is another name for Jesus, and this text speaks of Jesus distinction in person from the Father while communicating His full deity with the Father. In Hebrews 1:3, the Biblical author writes of Jesus, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature . . .” Hebrews 1:3 (ESV). This verse describes Jesus as God and how He radiates the essential glory of God. Finally, in Colossians 2:1, the Apostle Paul claims that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God . . .” Colossians 1:15 (ESV). Here, Paul declares that Jesus is the very likeness of God in His representation and manifestation.
Often, the word “gibbor” or “mighty” was descriptive of soldiers who were distinguished through battle. These men usually had exceptional strength and intuition. The word “gibbor” also refers to God in his ability to protect and defend those who are His. We read in Psalm 45 of this mighty God: “Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!” Psalm 45:3-4 (ESV). The concept of “gibbor” refers to God’s omnipotence, and in the name of Jesus, it speaks of His power. I will leave you with this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson from My Heart Sings.
The stars shine over the mountains,
the stars shine over the sea,
The stars look up to the mighty God,
the stars look down on me;
The stars shall last for a million years,
a million years and a day,
But God and I will live and love,
when the stars have passed away.
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”