December 1st 2017
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God…” Isaiah 9:6 KJV
2017 years ago a Mighty King showed up in a manger without the hoopla and fanfare most would have expected.
God revealed to Isaiah the coming of a Mighty God. It is the second name Isaiah uses in the verse above. Mighty – it is an adjective describing one who has great and impressive power or strength. The Hebrew word is “gibbor.” It means hero, champion, valiant warrior.
Are you singing “I need a hero” by Bonnie Tyler? I am.
I love this time of year. It is Advent 2017 and we celebrate the arrival of our Savior who came two thousand and seventeen years ago. Jesus may have come silently and in the form of a helpless baby, but Isaiah says He possessed impressive power and strength that was wrapped up inside an innocent child.
I realize there are many in my sphere of influence who might be having a hard time celebrating the arrival of December and Jesus’ birthday. The bells they hear ringing may be the sound of IV pump alarms. Family gatherings may be only a reminder of loved ones not present. I get it. I’ve had a Christmas or two like that.
I am currently following the saga of a little girl named London. She from my hometown of Artesia New Mexico and she is fighting for her life. Her mother Chelsea Orono just posted on Facebook to please pray. London needs a hero.
I read Chelsea’s posts and as a mom myself my heart goes out to her and I don’t even know her, but I know she is family. She is a child of God and so am I. She is a sister in Christ. She knows my Mighty God, my Hero God, my Champion.
Today I’m calling on our Mighty God to surround London’s hospital room. I am reminded of the story of Jesus going to Lazarus’ tomb. As each of Lazarus’ sisters came before Him weeping, then when Mary fell at his feet the Bible says, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. JESUS WEPT.” John 11:33-35.
I can see Jesus standing at London’s bedside deeply moved and troubled because of Chelsea’s tears and weeping, and I thank God because Jesus is mighty, He is a hero, and He is our champion. He does have the power London needs.
On Sunday we will begin lighting advent candles. We will light the purple candle of Hope. I will remember to put all my hope in my mighty God to heal London.