Mighty God | Isaiah 9:4-7

Have you ever noticed how obsessed our society is with heroes? A hero is defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. We look to athletes, politicians, celebrities and even comic books figures. Since 2000, over 55 major superhero movies have been made, grossing billions. We are drawn to characters like Superman, Batman, the Black Panther, Spider-Man and Captain America. Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1940 just before America entered World War 2. He was created in response to what was happening in the world and the rise of Adolf Hitler. He is an image of an American Superheroic Soldier who could defend America and the world and defeat all evil. (Captain America punching Hitler in the face.) We love these superhero movies because, deep down, we all know we need help. We know that we can’t save ourselves, we’re not as strong as we think we are. We need a hero. But Hollywood gives us pretend (fictional) heroes, Heaven sent us a real One. His name is Jesus. Isaiah is writing 700 years before Christmas, giving hope to those who are in darkness, confusion, and fear because of a looming, national existential crisis in the form of foreign invaders. The Assyrians were the most brutal military machine on the planet; they didn’t just conquer nations but humiliated, enslaved, terrorized, and crushed them. Isaiah promises that this child would defeat their greatest enemies and our greatest enemies. He is the ultimate HERO. The Hero that every other hero points to. God gives us four names that tell us who He is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. There’s just something about the name: Each name moves us from gloom to glory, darkness to delight, sorrow to joy, oppression to freedom, and chaos to peace.  Jesus is our Mighty God who fights for us and sets us free by His ultimate victory at the Cross and the Empty Tomb.