“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
What beautiful Christmas names we find in Isaiah prophecy of Christ. Today we see the name Everlasting Father. This name seems odd. We think of Jesus as the Son, not the Father. It seems like it should say Everlasting Son; not Father. But really this name speaks of Jesus’ reign and His rule in each of our lives. Jesus will reign forever (everlasting). Jesus will rule like a Father. Also, we must note that Jesus Christ has all the attributes of God the Father so it makes sense that He be called Everlasting Father. I believe Jesus is called Everlasting Father because He is the Father of our salvation. Jesus Christ is the Father of eternal life. John 1:4 says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.”   As Father, Jesus Christ is the founder of a new revelation about God. The Hebrews would call a man “father” if he invented or revealed something new. For example in Genesis 4:20-21, “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was father of all who play the harp and flute.”   These guys revealed something new and were identified as “father”. Likewise, Jesus Christ “fathered” our eternal life for us so He becomes the Everlasting Father. Let’s unwrap the gift of Jesus’ Fatherhood today and allow it to bless our lives. I believe the Fatherhood of Jesus blesses me in at least three ways.

1. It lets me know I’m his child forever. From John 1:12-13 we read, “Yet to all who receive him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”   When I believe Jesus is who He says He is and receive Him into my life, He grants me the privilege to be His child! As His child we perpetuate His name and we inherit His estate!
2. It lets me know I have His compassion forever. Psalm 103: 13-14 says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”   I’m so glad that Jesus has compassion on me.
3. It let’s me know I’m under His care forever. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 says, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”   Jesus cares for us by encouraging us, comforting us and urging us to live for the glory of God. He protects us and provides for us and disciplines us like the Father He is.

Jesus is our Everlasting Father. Spend some time today thanking Him. As our Father, He wants us to turn to Him and trust Him. Rejoice in the truth that He chose us as his adopted children.