In Isaiah 9:6, speaking of the birth of Christ, the Prophet declares that “his name shall be called … The everlasting Father”.

Both anciently and in modern times, a father’s role has been to provide and protect, to teach, to love and to serve. In ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’, we read “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”

Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah who was to be born would become an Everlasting Father to the children of Israel suggests that He would be their provider and protector eternally, as an Everlasting Father’s care is not subject to limitations imposed by aging or death.

Indeed, the scriptures are full of accounts in which Jehovah watches over His people, both before, during and after His mortal ministry; from Manna in the wilderness, to loaves and fishes in Capernaum, from defending Elisha and Israel from the Arameans to overcoming Sin and Death through His great atoning sacrifice.

This fatherly care from our Savior continues in our day. As we take His name upon us, we become His sons, daughters and heirs and His divine protection and provision is available to bless our lives.

For a fascinating read on the ways in which Jesus Christ is designated both Father and Son, see the First Presidency Statement from 1916 titled ’The Father and the Son’.

Sources:

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2 Kings 6 (story of Elisha)

Matthew 14 (loaves and fishes)