His Name Shall be Wonderful

Did you ever hear of anyone by the name of Wonderful? We often meet people who have meaningful and sometimes beautiful names. But I have never in my life met anyone named Wonderful. And I have never seen in any books which I have read a reference to anyone who was called by this name-with one exception. In a very old book written by Isaiah the Prophet, who lived about 2700 years ago, we find the prediction of the coming of a very great ruler whose name will be "Wonderful." Isaiah writes: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful...of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6,7)

Who is this person who will reign forever and whose name will be called Wonderful? He is no other than Jesus Christ, who was born about 750 years after the time of Isaiah the Prophet. People of all races all over the world agree that he was the most wonderful person who has ever lived on earth. Let us consider why Jesus Christ alone deserves to be given the name WONDERFUL.

1/ THE BIRTH OF CHRIST WAS WONDERFUL

All the people who have been born from the time of Adam to the present day have had both mothers and fathers, but Jesus Christ had no human father. He is often called the son of Mary, because he was born of a pure virgin called Mary. This amazing birth of Jesus was in accordance with another prediction of Isaiah and quoted in the Gospel of Matthew: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son." (Matthew 1:23). It was also in accordance with the word of the Angel Gabriel to Mary when he announced the birth of Jesus: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." (Luke 1:35). From this we learn that God the Almighty formed Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary. There was no human influence. We should never doubt this event because if we believe that God is truly Almighty, then nothing is impossible to Him. For to deny this would be to deny his omnipotence, and that we would never do. Let us also remember that the Injil does not say that God in Heaven, the exalted and unseen God, left his throne in heaven and came to live on earth. It says it is the Son, the Word of God and the Light of God, who "became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14). Allow me to use an illustration. When the sun wants to give us light and heat, it does not come from its place in the heavens to enter our homes, for if it did so we would be consumed. No, the sun graciously sends to us its sunshine, which is indeed one with it, and which we are able to receive. So whenever we open our windows to the sunshine we truly let in the sun. In a manner somewhat similar to this, God the Father who is the True Sun sends to us His Light, Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father, and gives light to the world. It is he who in the womb of the Virgin Mary took on himself the garments of humanity and was born as a man. Is there anyone else who has entered the world in this wonderful way?

2/ THE PREDICTIONS OF THE COMING OF CHRIST WERE WONDERFUL

Many of the prophets such as David, Isaiah, Micah, Daniel, etc. who foretold the coming of Christ, stated that he would be born, and referred to his miracles, his sufferings, his death for sinners, his resurrection and his unending rule. There have never been so many and so wonderful prophecies written in the Holy Scriptures about any other person who has ever been born.

3/ THE SINLESSNESS OF CHRIST WAS WONDERFUL

Many good men have lived on earth, but when we study their lives carefully we see that the holier they were the more conscious they were of their sinfulness, and therefore the more earnestly they prayed to God to forgive them, but Jesus never asked for God's forgiveness, for he never once committed a sin or disobeyed God. On one occasion he said to his enemies, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46). Not only was Jesus sure that there was no sin in him, but also his apostles who had lived close to him for three years and knew him intimately, testify that their Master was without sin. For example the apostle Peter writes: "Christ committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten" (1 Peter 2:22, 23). And in another place of the Holy Bible it is written: "Jesus is holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26). Is it not wonderful that in this evil world there has been one man who never needed to repent or ask God to forgive him?

4/ CHRIST'S LOVE FOR SINNERS WAS WONDERFUL

Every good man hates evil, and every pure man loathes anything unclean. And since Jesus Christ was himself sinless it is certain that he hated sin. There fore it would have been reasonable if he had removed himself as far as possible from sinners. But in fact the very opposite was true! Instead of avoiding sinners he associated with them, ate and talked with them, telling them of God's love for them, and when they repented of their sins, he received them with open arms. When the religious people criticized him for doing this, he said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17). So his enemies called him "the friend of sinners." Is it not wonderful that the person who loved sinners more than anyone else is the purest man who ever lived?

5/ CHRIST'S POWER TO FORGIVE SINS WAS WONDERFUL

None of the great prophets whom God sent into the world had authority to forgive the sins of men. But when a man who was paralyzed was brought to Jesus Christ for healing, Christ first forgave the sins of this man and then healed him. At once some of the religious teachers who were present accused Christ of blasphemy, saying that only God could forgive sins. Christ replied that he had authority on earth to forgive men's sins, and he at once proved his authority by also healing the sick man. In the same way he forgave a sinful woman who came to him asking for forgiveness. What a wonderful authority he had, to do God's work on earth!

6/ CHRIST'S MIRACLES WERE WONDERFUL

Though Moses and Elijah and some other prophets had the power to perform miracles, no one ever performed so many and so great miracles as Christ. He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, gave sight to the blind, cast out evil spirits, stilled the stormy sea, and even raised the dead to life. Not only did he do these wonderful miracles himself, but he gave power to his apostles to heal the sick and raise the dead. When his disciples saw him calm the sea during a heavy storm they marveled. it is no wonder that they were amazed, for he was indeed a wonderful person.

7/ CHRIST'S TEACHINGS WERE WONDERFUL

When the people of Christ's day heard him speak they were amazed, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom?" Listen to some of his wonderful sayings:

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

"Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)

"If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:44)

"Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." (Matthew 7:12)

"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be you slave." (Matthew 20:26,27)

"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: even as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

When we hear these wonderful words we are also amazed, and we say what some who heard Christ long ago said, "No man ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46).

8/ CHRIST'S POVERTY AND HUMILITY WERE WONDERFUL

Any doctor who cures the sick may rightly accept payment from his patients, and many doctors have thus become rich men. In the same way Jesus might have accepted gifts of gold or houses or lands from the people he healed, some of whom were wealthy. Many were no doubt eager to express in a suitable way their deep thankfulness to their Saviour. But as far as we know Jesus Christ never accepted any payment or any gift from those he healed. Not only did he refuse gifts, he also refused a crown. For when he fed a great crowd of more than 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish the people wanted to take him and make him their king, but he would not accept, for his kingship was not material but spiritual. On the night before his death he washed the feet of his twelve apostles in order to give them an example of humility. And when he died he left no possessions except the clothes he was wearing which the soldiers who crucified him took from his body. How wonderful that although he gave life and healing and food and salvation to others, he did not even provide a house for himself.

9/ CHRIST'S DEATH WAS WONDERFUL

During his lifetime Jesus Christ on several occasions foretold his own death, saying that he would be crucified. When Peter, his devoted disciple, heard this he said, "God forgive, Lord! This shall never happen to you." But Jesus rebuked Peter, saying that this thought that his Master should not die was not from God, but from Satan. When the time for Christ's death arrived, when he was about 33 years of age, his enemies who were the religious rulers of that time sent soldiers by night to arrest him. The disciples wanted to defend their Master, but Jesus did not permit them to do so. After telling Peter to put his sword back into its sheath, Jesus gave himself up to the soldiers. Later that night when the rulers mocked and beat him he remained silent. And the next day when the Roman soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross he did not curse them, but rather prayed for them and for all his enemies, saying, "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." As he hung on the cross the religious leaders came near and mocked him, but he did not answer them. Then after being on the cross for six terrible hours he cried out to God and said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit," and died. No wonder the Roman officer who was standing by the cross marveled at the manner of Jesus' death.

10/ CHRIST'S RESURRECTION WAS WONDERFUL

All the prophets and holy men of old died and were buried and their bodies turned to dust-with the exception of Elijah who was taken to heaven. Jesus Christ died and was buried, but his body did not turn to dust. A very wonderful thing happened to him. He rose from the dead, just as he had prophesied he would do! On Sunday, the third day after his crucifixion, he came out from the tomb, although it had been sealed by his enemies and was carefully guarded by soldiers. And he appeared to a number of his disciples in various places. Then during a period of 40 days he was seen by many of his followers. Those who at first could not believe that it was possible for Jesus Christ to come to life again were convinced that he was truly alive when they saw him with their own eyes. Then in front of his disciples he ascended to heaven, where he lives in the presence of his Father. Of all people who have lived on earth Jesus Christ is the only one who after death became alive again and did not die a second time. The resurrection of Jesus is the undeniable proof that he is as he claimed to be the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. How wonderful is he.

11/ CHRIST'S FORETELLING OF HIS RETURN WAS WONDERFUL

None of the ancient prophets announced to their followers before their death that they were going to return to earth. But Christ made frequent mention of his coming again. He told his disciples to watch and wait for his return and to be prepared to give him an account of their lives. He said that at the end of the world he would come from heaven, and every eye would see him. He would sit on his glorious throne, and all nations would come before Him. He would then judge them, separating them from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Those who accept him as their Saviour have eternal life, those who do not are condemned to eternal punishment. How wonderful and glorious will be Christ's return, and how terrible for those who have not obeyed him!

12/ CHRIST'S POSITION IS WONDERFUL

Whoever becomes truly acquainted with Jesus Christ realizes that he possesses a position higher than that of any other man. This is clear from the titles which he bears. The people of Islam call him Spirit of God. He is also called Word of God. But the title which is most often given him in the Holy Scriptures is Son of God. Before His birth the angel Gabriel said to Mary, the mother of Jesus, "He will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1-32). Jesus often called God, "My Father," and on two occasions the voice of God was heard from heaven addressing Jesus as "My Son." When one of the disciples asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know Me? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?" (John 14:9,10). And on another occasion Christ said: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). No prophet of God ever made such a claim. Truly the position of Jesus Christ is unique and wonderful!

13/ CHRIST'S INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD IS WONDERFUL

It is remarkable that Jesus Christ did not do many of the things that the great men of the earth have done. He did not write a book, or win a battle, or establish a kingdom, or sit on a throne, or invent some wonderful thing. On the contrary, most of his life was spent in a little town of the Middle East as a humble carpenter, and ever his spiritual ministry of saving men from their sins lasted only 3 and 1/2 years. But in spite of this, Jesus Christ is the most beloved person in the world today. The Holy Injils, written about him by his disciples, have been translated into more than a 1000 languages, and have been spread more than any other book which was ever written. Thousands of men and women have left their native lands and gone into all parts of the earth to tell people about Christ. In almost all the countries of the world there are groups of people who love him and are happy to call themselves by his name. Thousands of schools and hospitals and orphanages have been established by those who because of their love for Christ desire to help their fellow men; and millions of people have received both physical and spiritual healing through their ministry. In fact, most of the institutions and influences which today are making the world better had their origin, and derive their power, from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. How wonderful is the man who after 1900 years still exercises such an influence in the world!

14/ CHRIST'S PRESENCE WITH HIS FOLLOWERS TODAY IS WONDERFUL

Before Christ ascended to heaven he not only foretold his return at the end of the world, but also promised his disciples that he would always be with them. He said to them, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...and lo. I am with you always, to the close of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). And on another occasion he said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). Therefore, when Jesus Christ went to heaven his disciples were not left alone. Nor was there any need for someone else to come in Christ's place to care for them, for Christ himself by his Spirit remained with them, and will be with them to the end of the world. He guides them, strengthens them, comforts them, forgives them, cleanses them from their sin, and reveals God to them. Since he rose from the dead and is alive for evermore he is able to help us in a way that dead prophets can never do. He invites everyone to come to him and be his friend, saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). How wonderful is the friendship and love of Christ.

15/ ONE MORE WONDERFUL THING

For these reasons which have been given, and for many others which have not been mentioned, we see that Jesus Christ truly deserves the name WONDERFUL which the prophet gave him long before he was born. Everything about him is wonderful! But perhaps for us the most wonderful thing of all is that Christ is willing to dwell in our sinful hearts. For he says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20).

Dear friend, this wonderful Saviour has come to the door of your heart today, and wants to enter. He died to save you from your sins, and lives in order to give you eternal life. He knows your cares, your troubles, your sins, your fears, and all your needs, and is eager to bless you and make you happy. If you want him as your friend you may just now open your heart to him, and ask him to enter. Take him as your Saviour, and commit yourself wholly to him. Listen again to what God says: "Behold I bring you good news of a great joy...for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:2:10,11). Jesus Christ is more than a prophet, he is the Lord! The Saviour is not a mere man, he is God in Christ. Won't you accept Him as your Lord and Saviour now? He says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to God the Father but by Me." He also says, "Him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37)

Come to Him now and accept Him as your Saviour. Confess your sins to Him, ask Him to forgive you and thank Him for shedding His blood for you. He will hear you where you are and forgive you. He will come to live in you through His Holy Spirit and make you a new person. He will give you holiness in place of sin, love in place of hate, peace in place of restlessness and tension. When you die, He will take you to heaven, to live with Him forever. If you believe in Him and accept Him as your Saviour, you will start to understand why God gave Him the name WONDERFUL and you will learn to love Him and honor Him more and more.