“His name shall be called Wonderful…” Is 9:6

Words, like fashions, adapt with the times. Whereas “nice” used to mean “silly, foolish”, nowadays it depicts someone who is pleasant and likable. To be nervous used to mean to be strong and courageous (eg “you’ve got a lot of nerve!”). Until recently, a “bump” was commonly described an obstacle, not a leg up or indication of a gained advantage that is its colloquial use today.

Often these changes mirror shifts in attitudes or culture. Saying someone was “religious” used to be a compliment, referring to a person of high moral standards who regularly performed good deeds on behalf of others. “Pious” was used to describe a reverent and devoted person; but it is now almost exclusively used in a pejorative sense to mean hypocritical, even pompous. These changes are a reflection of a world that is increasingly secular and dismissive of the Church.

One of my favorite names for God is “Wonderful”. He is, as the word’s traditional meaning suggests, absolutely and completely full of wonder. But do we even know what it means to “wonder” anymore? The use of the verb “wonder” was preceded by its noun form, meaning “extraordinary, supernatural, and miraculous”. Hence, the Biblical coupling of “signs and wonders”. Responding to impossible and spectacular occurrences came to be known as “wonder”. When you wondered, you were awestruck, speechless, and likely on your knees—if not your face.

The arrogance of “The Enlightenment” has cast a long shadow over civilization. As a result, skepticism became vogue, and “wonders” became like crumpled paper headed for history’s dustbin. Religious experiences, feelings of amazement, marvel, or being enthralled were mocked and pushed to the fringe. In lock step, to “wonder”devolved, adopting its present-day usage: to consider or be curious, even to be doubtful or suspicious.

We’ve inherited a generation that downplays the Biblical call to “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” because we have lost touch with the reality that He “is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:28,29 NIV). Isaiah could call God by the name Wonderful in Chapter 9 because of fresh recall; in Chapter 6 he was “undone” during an encounter with the majesty and holiness of God. Likewise, we may need an old-fashioned face-to-face—a knock-down-drag-out—with the Almighty in order to overcome the barriers erected by a world that has discarded a working vocabulary of the one thing we so desperately need!

Samson was born in an age riddled by perversion and evil. The Word was rare in those days (1 Sam 3:1). “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” (Jud 21:25). Worship waned. Reverence dissipated. The Jehovah in their memories began to resemble the counterfeit gods of the pagans who had become their oppressors. But God broke through every cruel scheme of Satan to keep the children of Israel shackled in ignorance. It began when Samson’s parents had an encounter with living God. As the Angel of God ascended to heaven in the flames of their burnt offering, they cried out, “We are doomed to die…we have seen God!” (Jud 13:22).

Before He left, Manoah wisely pressed to know the name of the “very awesome” Angel who had appeared to them. He had spoken mysteries no man could know. He had healed the barren womb of his wife. He had directed them to offer a sacrifice “to Jehovah”. This was no angel, it was God Himself! He answered Manoah, “Why are you asking about my name? It’s Wonderful!” (Jud 13:18)

Beloved, as we enter Advent season, preparing to celebrate the birth of our precious Savior, let us seek a fresh encounter with this miracle-working, all-so-awesome and holy God. It’s why He came. “For unto us a Child is born…and His name will be called Wonderful” (Is 9:6)