In the Second part of the series on how the Messiah as per Isaiah’s prophecy (9:6-7) is an embodiment of 4 types of towering leaders who led the Nation of Israel in their 2000 year history, (after having focused upon the Patriarchs in the First part) today we come to other 2 types of Leaders:
Prophets
“And He will be called…Wonderful Counselor…
An Oxford Dictionary would give the definition of the word Counsellor as one who gives “guidance”. Starting with that peerless Prophet Moses and ending with the redoubtable Samuel, the people of Israel for the next 500 years (after the era of Patriarchs) were led by the Prophets. The principle calling of any Prophet is to “guide” the people in the ways of the Lord. Now who was the Greatest of em’ all? A no brainer really…Moses by far, for he not only guided the people geotraphically all the way from Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land, but also most importantly was the first of the Prophets to guide them in the matter of holy living in tow with the Holy God (Lev. 20:7-8).
Well Moses, bound by limitations of time and space, could not guide all the people all the time, our Messiah who excels Moses (Heb. 3:3) is a wonderful Counseller guiding us at all times by being within us in the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26/1 Cor. 2:11-16/1 John 2:27) advising us in all matters including those so private that some are known not even to our spouses!!! Say Christian…are you listening to His still small guiding voice (John 10:4/27) in all areas of your life (Is 30:21)?
Princes
“And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.” (1 Sam. 5:12)
“…the government will be on His shoulders. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
For the next 500 years after that committed Prophet Samuel made way for the first of the Israeli Kings (Largely people’s choice — King Saul — who faltered after a promising start) the Princes would lead the people of Israel. It was under King David that the nation, which began as a family 1000 years ago, became a mighty empire holding sway over whole of Mid West Asia. King David besides being the most powerful Monarch in the annals of Jewish history would also become a benchmark to his successors in the matter of obedience to the Almighty (2 Chron. 17:3/28:1/34:2).
What about the Messiah’s superiority over great King David. Well, the latter himself calls the Messiah His Lord as this Scripture testifies…
“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.'” (Ps. 110:1/Matt 22:44/Heb 1:13)
Say my fellow pilgrim, is David’s Lord the Lord of every area of your life? Before Jesus sets up His universal millennial rule at His imminent Second Advent, He needs to rule first unopposed in the lives of His Chosen Ones, ransomed by His precious atoning blood. Before His Will is done on Earth as it is done in Heaven (Luke 11:2 KJV), should it not be accomplished first in Toto in the lives of every Christian?
Prayer: Father, give us always that submissive heart and gentle spirit which would allow your Son to rule completely unopposed in our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(To access the other lessons in the “Four P’s of the Messiah and Beyond” mini-series, please click here.)