Our Mighty God

"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."  — Isaiah 9:6

For Advent we're looking at this Old Testament verse and it's description of the facets of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This week we looked at the second attribute, Our Mighty God. One of the interesting things that came up during our staff deliberations was the idea that it can be tough to think of our God as a warrior, and what that means.

I couldn't help but think of a different take on the idea of a warrior. Some of the mightiest warriors don't have to do anything to be imposing. That is how it was with my dad growing up. He was a strong presence and he commanded respect without ever having to do anything. That's how it is in "The Godfather," as you see Vito, then his son, Michael, commanding respect without having to go out and do a lot to prove their strength.

Another of my favorite of these kind of examples is the shut down corner in football. Think about Darrelle Revis or Champ Bailey. Most of the time quarterbacks don't even throw toward their side of the field? Why? Because of the fear of what will happen if they do.

That's the idea I think about with God as a Mighty Warrior. It's not so much someone who is swinging a sword or slapping people around, but rather someone whose presence is so imposing that they cast a long shadow and effect the way you think about people and situations. Real strength is being able to influence people's actions and situations without imposing your will physically. That is certainly an apt description of our God and of Jesus during his time on earth. That's part of what makes Him mighty.