The Coming King: Mighty God, Everlasting Father

Devotional

Day 1: The Messiah is divine ruler who brings unending peace.

Isaiah declares that a great light has dawned on those walking in darkness and that the child to be born will carry the weight of government on his shoulders; he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and his reign will increase without end as he establishes and upholds justice and righteousness by the zeal of the Lord Almighty, bringing true, lasting peace to a broken world. [34:47]

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (NIV)
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Reflection: What specific area of your life feels like “walking in darkness” today, and what is one concrete step you can take to invite the King’s light and justice into that situation right now?

Day 2: Jesus reveals God and sustains all creation.

The New Testament declares that God has spoken finally and fully in his Son, who is appointed heir of all things and through whom the universe was made; the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word, so that when life feels unstable one can rest in the sustaining, revealing presence of Jesus. [35:30]

Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Reflection: Where in your day do you feel things slipping out of control, and can you offer that hour to Jesus in prayer, trusting him to sustain it and asking for one specific word or action to follow?

Day 3: Jesus claims the divine name, proving deity.

Jesus openly asserted his identity with the divine “I Am,” telling his opponents that before Abraham was born he is, a claim that drew violent reaction because it identified him with Yahweh himself; this bold declaration confirms that the Savior who lived, died, and rose is truly God and therefore has authority and power to save and to judge. [39:09]

John 8:56-59 (NIV)
Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.
At this they said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?”
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
At this they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Reflection: Is there a truth about Jesus’ identity that you intellectually assent to but hesitate to trust with your whole heart; name that truth and pray aloud, “Jesus, I acknowledge you as I Am,” committing one tangible act of obedience today that expresses that trust.

Day 4: Jesus is brotherly, becoming like us to save.

Because Jesus was made fully like his brothers and sisters, he is not ashamed to call believers family; he entered human life so he could be a merciful and faithful high priest who understands weakness and makes atonement, which means he is both empathetic companion and the one who secures forgiveness for his people. [46:25]

Hebrews 2:11-17 (NIV)
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Reflection: Think of one specific struggle or shame you hide from others—can you bring that to Jesus today, naming it aloud and asking him to be your compassionate brother who intercedes and frees you to step toward one practical, honest action this week?

Day 5: God’s faithfulness endures; worship responds in trust.

The psalmist commits to sing of Yahweh’s great love forever, to make his faithfulness known through all generations, and to proclaim that God’s love and faithfulness stand firm in heaven itself, so the proper response is worshipful trust, rejoicing in God’s steadfastness even amid grief, uncertainty, or loss. [09:11]

Psalm 89:1-8 (NIV)
I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm for ever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant,
‘I will establish your line for ever and make your throne firm through all generations.’”
The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

Reflection: In the midst of this season, name one wound or worry you carry and write a short prayer of trust referencing one concrete way God has been faithful before; pray it aloud today as an act of worship.

Sermon Summary

Advent calls me to celebrate the first coming of Jesus while watching for His second. From Isaiah 9:6 I focused on two titles: Mighty God and Everlasting Father. Mighty God announces that the child born is truly God. Hebrews 1 shows Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of His being, the One through whom the universe was made and is sustained. This is not a vague spirituality but a concrete claim: the eternal I AM stepped into history. He alone can bear the full weight of our salvation—human to die for humans, divine to carry the sins of the world.

“Mighty” is not hypothetical power. Scripture uses it as an active word—victory-creating strength. Jesus decisively defeats sin, death, and Satan, and He actively meets us in our storms. Sometimes He stills the storm; sometimes He steadies us in it. Either way, His power is not distant. He is surpassingly able to save, keep, and strengthen.

“Everlasting Father” names how He relates to us. In Him we find the best of fatherhood without the wounds: steady provision, wise counsel, protective strength, and loving firmness that forms us beyond comfort into maturity. He is also our Brother and Friend—near, warm, and faithful—and our King—holy, sovereign, and to be obeyed. Those truths belong together. We rest in His embrace and we bow before His throne.

Because His fatherhood is everlasting, His presence outlasts every loss. He will not fail or fade. He is with us now, with us as we pass through death, and with us on the resurrected earth when all is made new. So I call you to acknowledge Jesus as the God-Man, receive His forgiveness, submit to His kindly rule, and live today in the hope of His unending love.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is truly Mighty God Jesus is not merely a guide to God; He is God with us. Hebrews says He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature; to see Jesus is to see the Father’s heart. This claim explains why He alone can author and secure salvation. His deity is the foundation for our worship and our confidence. [41:15]
2. His might acts, not merely exists Biblical “might” is active, victory-producing strength. Jesus doesn’t store power—He spends it to break evil, sustain weary souls, and create real change. When He does not remove a storm, He gives wisdom and calm to navigate it faithfully. His power is not theoretical; it is personal and present. [42:04]
3. Everlasting Father with perfect fatherhood Jesus fathers His people by protecting, providing, guiding, and forming us into maturity. He loves without conditions, yet refuses to leave us unchanged, pressing us toward our true good. He is patient when we fail and firm when we drift, marrying tenderness with holy resolve. This is the fatherhood our hearts were made for. [54:53]
4. Hold intimacy and reverence together Jesus is Brother and Friend—approachable, faithful, near—and also King—holy, reigning, and to be obeyed. Healthy discipleship lives in that tension: we converse freely and we bow deeply. Lose either side and you shrink the gospel; keep both and you grow in awe-filled intimacy. [51:02]
5. Hope anchored in an unfailing presence Earthly fathers fail and fade; Jesus does not. His love carries us through life, through death, and into resurrection joy, where our capacity to know Him will be enlarged. Live now with that horizon in view; it steadies obedience and heals fear. Advent hope is not wishful—it’s anchored in His forever. [56:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:35] - Last-minute worship leading
[05:13] - Advent: first and second coming
[06:48] - Angel Tree and Christmas invites
[09:11] - Call to worship: Psalm 89
[10:17] - Prayer of praise and hope
[14:12] - Advent candle of hope
[31:46] - Mighty God, Everlasting Father
[34:05] - Isaiah 9 and Hebrews 1
[35:30] - Mighty God: Jesus is divine
[42:04] - Mighty to save and sustain
[45:24] - Everlasting Father explained
[52:56] - The perfect Father’s patient strength
[55:43] - Everlasting presence and future hope
[64:19] - Benediction and sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

- Isaiah 9:6-7 — 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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. - Hebrews 1:1-3 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Observation Questions

Read Isaiah 9:6–7. Which of the Messiah’s titles did the sermon single out for focus, and what immediate claims do those titles make about who the child will be? [31:46]
Hebrews 1:1–3 describes the Son’s relation to creation and to the Father. What specific phrases in verses 2–3 state that relation? How would you summarize what Hebrews is saying about Jesus’ identity and role? [35:30]
The preacher insisted that “mighty” in the Bible is an active, victory-producing word rather than passive potential. What examples from the sermon show Jesus’ active might (what he defeats or what he does for people)? [42:04]
The sermon contrasted fallen earthly fathering with Jesus as the “Everlasting Father.” List the concrete fatherly qualities the preacher attached to Jesus (the ways he cares, disciplines, and forms). [52:56]

Interpretation Questions

How does holding together the titles “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father” change the way one thinks about Jesus’ work—both in salvation (what he accomplished) and in daily life (how he cares)? Be specific about at least one change in understanding. [45:24]
The preacher argued Jesus had to be both fully human and fully God to accomplish atonement. How do Isaiah 9 and Hebrews 1 together support that claim? Point to one phrase from each passage that helps make the case. [39:51]
The sermon said sometimes Jesus stills the storm and sometimes he steadies us in it. Theologically, what does that pattern suggest about prayer, God’s will, and suffering? Give one practical implication for how a believer prays in an ongoing difficulty. [44:42]
The preacher urged keeping intimacy (brother/friend) and reverence (king) together in Christ. What problems arise if a Christian emphasizes only one side (only friend or only king)? Give one example from everyday life. [51:02]

Application Questions

Identify a current “storm” or anxiety in your life. Concretely, how will you lean on Jesus’ active, victory-producing might this week? (Name one specific prayer, one Scripture to read, and one person you will ask to pray with you.) [42:04]
Think about your experience of fatherhood (biological father, a father-figure, or absence). What specific practice will you try this month to receive Jesus as your Everlasting Father? (Examples: a short daily prayer that addresses him as Father, journaling a promise from God each night, or meeting weekly with a mentor.) [52:56]
Where are you too comfortable or avoiding growth because it’s easier? Name one area (relationship, work, spiritual habit) and one concrete step you will take in the next seven days that shows you are cooperating with Jesus’ “forming” fatherly love. [54:26]
Pick one relationship where you can behave more like a brother/friend in Christ (reach out, listen, pray, encourage). Who is that person and what exactly will you do this week to show that friendship? [46:25]
The sermon reminded us Jesus is King and calls for obedience. Name one specific area where you are resisting his rule (time, money, an unresolved conflict, a sinful habit). What is one measurable thing you will do this week to submit to him in that area? [51:02]
Advent is a season of “already and not yet.” How will you live with the hope that Jesus’ presence outlasts every loss during this season? Choose one concrete act (visit someone grieving, volunteer to serve a family, write a short note to someone you need to reconcile with) and commit to when you will do it. [56:34]
Accountability: share one application from above you want help keeping. Who in the group will you ask to check in with you, and when should they check in (day/date/time)? [01:03:19]

Sermon Clips

``But because he is mighty God, he has died for you, and he's died for all, and he's borne all of our sins. And you can be fully assured that he paid the price for every sin that you ever committed, every sin that you will commit. That doesn't mean go out and sin, but he's got you covered completely. Completely, as Kara was saying earlier, we don't need to fear not being with him. Just put our faith, our trust in Jesus. And he'll wash our sins away, give us new life, and we'll live forever. New life now, eternal life forever. He has the power to save you. [00:43:32] (38 seconds) #CoveredByGrace

But because he is mighty God, he has died for you, and he's died for all, and he's borne all of our sins. And you can be fully assured that he paid the price for every sin that you ever committed, every sin that you will commit. That doesn't mean go out and sin, but he's got you covered completely. Completely, as Kara was saying earlier, we don't need to fear not being with him. Just put our faith, our trust in Jesus. And he'll wash our sins away, give us new life, and we'll live forever. New life now, eternal life forever. He has the power to save you. [00:43:32] (38 seconds) #WashedAndRenewed

His love is unconditional. He loves you just the way you are. But he loves you too much to let you stay the way that you are. He's filled with patience. He's gracious when we fail. Oh, thank you, Lord, for that. As the perfect dad, he never gives up on us when we blow it. He's kind. He understands our weaknesses. But he also has high aspirations for our lives. And like a good father, like a good coach father, he's going to keep on working in our lives until we become that which he longs and knows that we can become. [00:53:10] (42 seconds) #FatherWhoNeverGivesUp

He'll patiently continue working in your life until he forms you into that godly man or woman that he envisions for you to be. He's at work in your life. He's patient. He's filled with wisdom. Last week, we spoke of Jesus as the wonderful counselor. A good father is someone that you can go to for wisdom and guidance. And Jesus' wisdom and guidance is beyond all comparison. And he's filled with strength. He's a strong, protecting father. But that strength that protects us is also lovingly firm towards us, pressing us towards our highest good. Like a good father, his love is strong. [00:53:52] (44 seconds) #WiseAndStrongFather

He's always there when you need him. But he's also in love, one who doesn't let us stay in that comfort zone. He pushes us out of our nest so we can spread our wings and grow and learn. He teaches us to be a man or a woman of God that he calls us to be. He teaches you to stand, but he holds you up when you're weak. His love is unconditional, but he has zero tolerance for sin, irresponsible behavior, or excuses. For our good, he always requires our best, but is also patient when we do less than our best. [00:54:36] (40 seconds) #PushToPurpose

Jesus' father's love will never fail. His father's love will never fail. Our earthly fathers can't always be with us. They eventually die. And earthly fathers aren't perfect, and they fail us from time to time. But Jesus is the everlasting father. His eternal God, we can rest secure that his father's love will be the same yesterday, today, and forever. He won't leave you. He won't give up. The everlasting arm of our Lord and of his love will never grow tired. He'll be with you every day of your life. And he'll be there when you face death. [00:55:37] (42 seconds) #EverlastingFather

He'll be with you as you pass through death's door. And he'll be with you on the other side. When you go to the other side of death and enter into his presence. And he'll be there in 10 million years. Everlasting father. His love and his presence will never diminish. Indeed, though his presence is fully with us now, we will know that full presence in that day to come. On that day when you die and he receives your spirit, you will know his love and presence as never before. We die, we go to be with him, with the Lord Jesus. [00:56:19] (47 seconds) #PresenceBeyondDeath

But on the day of resurrection, he comes here to earth. The new heaven and new earth are created. And the full glory of his human and divine love will be revealed to you. Our capacity will be enlarged so we can experience the fullness of that love, that glory, and that wonder. And the Bible says that God will make us to be like Jesus. We will radiate that love, that glory in our very lives as those who are in Christ Jesus. It will be beyond our imagination. God's word always calls us to respond to him. And so respond, first of all, by acknowledging that Jesus is God. [00:57:06] (56 seconds) #RadiateHisGlory

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Why must the Messiah be both God and man?

What does Everlasting Father reveal about Jesus’ fatherly care?

How does Hebrews describe the Son’s sustaining power?