Mighty God

What does the term “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) speak to you about? Rev Billy Lee examines the significance and shares his reflections.

“MIGHTY GOD”. We often hear the term in sermons, worship songs, and prayers. Yet, when was the last time we reflected on the depth and meaning of these two words, and how it relates to our lives?

Significance of “Mighty God”

Isaiah 9:6 is part of a well-known prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus, and often quoted during the Christmas season. The passage ascribes a couple of titles to Him, one of which describes Him as “Mighty God”. We know that God often designates titles and names to individuals to prophetically describe their functions and roles, and here is no exception; Jesus is our “Mighty God”, and the significance of this title should not be understated.

So, as we celebrate Christmas and the close of 2022, I think it’s only appropriate to ask ourselves: what does Jesus as “Mighty God” mean for us?

The prophetic implication in Isaiah 9:6 is then clear: the coming Messiah would be a Mighty God who is strong, powerful, and victorious.

The Hebrew Meaning

To better appreciate the significance of this title, we must look at the meaning of the original Hebrew text. The term “Mighty God” is translated from the Hebrew words ‘êl gibbôr. The term gibbôr is often used in a military sense, suggesting a strong, powerful warrior who will succeed in battle. At the same time, the designation of ‘êl certainly implies that this champion is not a mere mortal, but someone who is divine. The prophetic implication in Isaiah 9:6 is then clear: the coming Messiah would be a Mighty God who is strong, powerful, and victorious.

As I meditate on the significance of this title, a few reflections come to mind that I hope would serve to put some former things in perspective and to encourage us as we look forward to the new year.

Mighty God Moving on Our Behalf

Firstly, I think we can all agree that the last few years have been tumultuous. We have gone through unprecedented times both personally and together as a church facing the realities of COVID-19 and the storms that came with it. Major adjustments had to be made as we tried our best to cope with the restrictions and new norms. It was a particularly trying time for the church as we saw members struggle with fear, sickness, and many questions while people around them were infected with the virus. Some have also left the church while we struggled to pull everyone together through these trying times.

While we may never fully comprehend God’s will and plan for allowing COVID-19 to happen, I believe we can all look back and declare with confidence that He is our Mighty God, and “thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)

As we look to be coming out of the woods, I believe reflecting on the title “Mighty God” is even more relevant. Despite what had happened over the last few years, there are things that we can look back with gratitude on how our Mighty God has helped us. We may not have seen or felt it then, but our Mighty God was certainly moving on our behalf. The fact that you are alive and reading this article is testament to the protection of our Mighty God upon your life through a long pandemic. The fact that the church has not fallen or grown weaker during these trying times is also a testament to the might of our God. In fact, I believe the church has grown to meeting the needs of people through digital means while still cherishing the benefits of physical meetings. This is an important skill set and mentality in an increasingly digital world. This, along with so many other testimonies that we all have heard and experienced, is evident of our Mighty God being with us and helping us through these tough times.

While we may never fully comprehend God’s will and plan for allowing COVID-19 to happen, I believe we can all look back and declare with confidence that He is our Mighty God, and “thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)

Mighty God is Our Hope

Secondly, I believe that recognising God as Mighty gives us much hope as we look forward to the new year. The last few years had been tough, and perhaps some of us are hesitant to hold on to any high hopes for 2023; yet, we have good reasons to look forward to the new year with great expectations.

It is interesting that the title of “Mighty God” came after the title “Wonderful Counsellor” in Isaiah 9:6. The term “Counsellor” suggests an adviser or planner. As we look forward to 2023, we know that God has good plans for us; but how can we be assured that these plans can and will be brought to fruition? It is precisely because He is a Mighty God that He can bring about all He plans and wills; nothing can stand against Him!

The same goes for us; we are coming out of a dark period but have much hope to look forward to because of our Mighty God.

In fact, Isaiah 9:6 stands in contrast to the “darkness” prophesied earlier in Isaiah 8:19-22. The promise God was giving to the Israelites is that the darkness they experienced would not last, and that they had an era of light and hope ahead. The same goes for us; we are coming out of a dark period but have much hope to look forward to because of our Mighty God.

God has good plans for you in 2023, and you can enter the year full of confidence that you will experience the goodness of God in the year ahead, regardless of what had happened in the past few years. The Bible has assured us that absolutely nothing can separate us from His love and goodness (Romans 8:31-39), and nothing can hold Him back (Daniel 4:35). My prayer for you is that this will be a reality you experience for yourself in 2023.

Mighty God Now and Forever

As I close, I am reminded of another passage that describes our Mighty God, ‘êl gibbôr.

Isaiah 42:13 “The Lord will march out like a champion (gibbôr), like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.”

Our God is our Mighty God, now and forever. Merry Christmas and have a blessed 2023!