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Msg #537                Wed, December 17, 2008

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"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  (Isa 9:6) 

Do you know what you have?

In our day of power packed electronic gadgets – many people have them…but only use the slightest fraction of their capabilities.    Many are ignorant that the device they already have can meet huge needs in their lives.  This reality is only a faint shadow of the far greater tragedy of what believers have in Christ…and yet fail to take advantage of.

In a very quick “tour”, let me walk you through the tremendous blessings that are ours in Christ revealed in this single verse.   

Consider Him who is given here - unto us a Child is born. 

This verse declares to us the amazing truth we celebrate in this CHRISTmas season – that God has given us His Son, born in human flesh.  It is Jesus that we are considering….

Consider Who this is for…unto us

It says it twice in the verse…unto us….unto us… This is really for us.  Not just to look at and give back…but a gift to us.  Who is the us – the us is the people of God – Christians.   Today, if you are not a Christian, then what is described here is not yours.  Yet, I call you to it – I call you to be saved today.  Today, if you are a Christian – this is yours, it is what you already have in Christ.  

Consider the Characteristics of this marvelous gift in Christ.

1st – He is the Son – a Son is given

God’s own Son.  Nothing could be more precious to God, nothing more valuable.  The privilege in Christ in this simple reality…is more than can be described.   Are you growing in knowing Him, the Son of God given to you?

2nd He carries the weight - the government will be upon His shoulder.

The reality of this verse will be fully realized in eternity…but even now the truth applies and is for us.   His burden is light, His yoke is easy…because if we walk with Him…He bears the weight of our walk with Him.  Are you enjoying this in Christ?  Are you allowing Him to carry the weight of your life?

3rd He is Incredibly Awesome  - His name will be called Wonderful

The idea of “wonderful” is something that is amazing, almost too good for words to describe.   This wonder is the beauty, majesty and marvel in Christ.  Are you pressing into what is given you in Christ…to discover that He is wonderful?

4th He is our Counselor.   Unto us is given…Counselor

This season of the year brings out a wide range of situations and emotions. For some this season is filled with joy.  Others are left with a vague hole in their hearts, and still others are faced with the depths of depression.  My simple question is this:  Who are you turning too this season with the issues of your heart?  Sadly many turn to friends, professionals and even to drugs and alcohol.  Yet, we have been given the greatest counselor in Christ.  Christian, are you taking advantage of what is Yours in Christ?  Is Christ your counselor today?

5th He is Able – Unto us is given…Mighty God

He is all powerful.  There is nothing too hard for God.  Yet the folly of many Christians, is that although this is what we have in Christ, they seek to live life by their own power.   Today, are you finding Christ to be your source of power?

6th He is eternal – Unto us is given…Everlasting Father

He is to us as tender, as faithful and as caring as any Father every could be.  Yet, the focus is more…He is unending in His care.  He is everlasting.  He never gives up, never quits – He is eternal.  You have no fear that you will exhaust His supply, no fear that He will “break” like many of our time saving gadgets do.  Today, are you enjoying the consistent hope you can have in Him?

7th He is peace – Unto us is given… Prince of Peace.

Peace…it is what so many people want…and so few have. It is only found one place, in Christ.  He is the Prince of it – the source, avenue and leader of it.   Peace, real peace, is only in Him.  Christian, this season…are you seeking to know, enjoy the peace that is already yours in Christ?

The simple truth is…what many Christians so desperately want – they already have in Christ.  Yet either unaware or apathetic towards Him…they look for these needed things in unreliable sources.  Today…I call you afresh to see what is given you in Christ…and take full advantage of all He is to us. 

The more you see of what God gave us in Christ…you will join the apostle Paul in saying: Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"(2 Cor 9:15)

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  (Isa 9:6) 

Jim

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