WONDERFUL

Today’s title features in verse 18 of the main reading, translated secret in the KJV It clearly identifies the Angel of the Lord who appeared to Manoah as the ‘Son’ of Isa. 9. 6. Thus, we refer to such appearances as Christophanies, that is, pre-incarnate appearances of the Lord Jesus.

Both translations of the name are so fitting, for mystery and wonder are connected to His person. In Scripture, the mystery of His person is seen illustratively. When the people of Israel viewed the manna for the first time they exclaimed, ‘What is it?’, Exod. 16. 15 RV The ‘small round thing’ was distinct from anything they had ever seen, as was He whose eternal being was veiled by the humility of His manhood.

The mystery of His person is also seen historically when, for example, the disciples declared ‘What manner of man is this?’ Mark 4. 41. The mystery of His person is seen doctrinally when He said, ‘No man knoweth the Son, but the Father’, Matt. 11. 27. Deity and manhood combined in one glorious person baffles the human intellect!

‘The Father only (glorious claim!)

The Son can comprehend’. [Josiah Conder] The wonder of His person is seen at every stage of His pathway. As the shepherds told of the babe in the manger, ‘they that heard it wondered’, Luke 2.18. Those who witnessed His mighty deeds ‘wondered’, or ‘were astonished with a great astonishment’, or ‘marvelled’, and so these miracles are described as ‘wonders’, Acts 2. 22. Men noted His wisdom as He conversed with the doctors and were ‘astonished at his understanding and answers’, Luke 2. 47. As He countered verbal onslaughts, ‘they marvelled’, and ‘they were astonished’, Matt. 22. 22, 33. In the circumstances of His death, ‘many were astonied’ as they surveyed the marred visage, Isa. 52. 14. Peter left the empty tomb, ‘wondering in himself at that which was come to pass’, Luke 24.12. On seeing His vindication and exaltation we proclaim, ‘It is marvellous in our eyes’, Ps. 118. 23.

Whenever we survey Him, it is never a surprise that His name was called ‘Wonderful’.