This is the second in the 2022 Advent series of the prophetic names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6
A Paradox is not two doctors!
a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
There are many such things in the Gospel: “Whoever strives to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will keep it.” Luke 17:33 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”” Luke 6:38. The King of a Kingdom that is not of this world.
Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you. The first shall be last. Drink the water I give you and you will never thirst again. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,”
1 Peter 5:6
Messiah – Christmas is another paradox: that is why there are so many festivities that have nothing to do with the Messiah but just having a good time. Cashing in on generosity! Many just don’t comprehend the paradox.
Is the Messiah is God? That is a paradox. A God who is born? How can someone 750 years before Christ be able to prophecy that the Messiah could be both God and man? This Messiah who comes to deliver is God himself? But this is what makes Christianity unique among religions: God comes to us because we are unable to come to him. Our concepts and understanding of God(s) are so warped and confused. Mixed with our own imaginations and our own ideas, thoughts, knowledge we assume things that we may have heard here and there and thrown together. Here in America as well as in the rest of the world we make assumptions and twist the Bible to make it fit our desires. God is love and he loves me regardless of what I do, who I am, and what I say. That is only a partial truth about love. He is greatly concerned, not just about our morals, but also our attitudes, character, and behavior. God is greater than we think he is!
Mighty
Interesting adjective. Not Powerful God, not dominant, forceful, potent, dominant, but mighty. This becomes particularly poignant when we see the Government on his shoulders. Might is right. Wars continue to prove that the big guy wins. Our concept of might just might not coincide with that of Jesus. He claims to be meek. Meekness is power under control. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Now Mighty can have two different reactions:
How do you choose? Imagine all is OK, or do you repent and receive the gift of God today?
“Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.”” Acts2:11NASB2020
““For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. “And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.”
Luke1:49-50NASB2020
““Behold, God is mighty but does not reject anyone; He is mighty in strength of understanding.”
Job36:5NASB2020
“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.”
Psalms24:8NASB2020
“For this is what the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah57:15NASB2020
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew11:29NASB2020
“‘Oh, Lord God! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows mercy to thousands, but repays the wrongdoing of fathers into the laps of their children after them, great and mighty God. The Lord of armies is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of mankind, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;”
Jeremiah32:17-19NASB2020
“Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, the One who speaks in righteousness, mighty to save.””
Isaiah63:1NASB2020
““You will also suck the milk of nations, And suck the breast of kings; Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Isaiah60:16NASB2020