February 4, 2022
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Reading along with us in Isaiah? Here’s today’s reading:
Isaiah 9 (NIV)
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
We start with the hope of a Savior coming, Jesus. The hope of joy, victory, and an end to oppression but Israel is not ready. God is still dishing out judgement to Israel for all their sin and disobedience.
It is a wake up call to us that while we have the salvation offered through Christ it is not an excuse to disobey. But rather it is a call to dig deeper into our walk with Christ, our relationship and ultimately the way we live. We are not saved by our works but the undeserved forgiveness we receive should drive us to be more of a representation of Christ here on earth every day.
Isaiah 7-9
Isaiah 9
What a great passage of scripture we find here. All these promises and works God will see done at the beginning of the chapter are all resolved in verse 6. What is going to allow all these good things to happen? Because a child is born, because a son is given and power and decision making will be on His shoulders. And if that weren’t enough, what will this child be like? A wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father And Prince of peace. How unique will this human child be to have those names associated with Him! It is only a God/man that could fulfill the promise and that is exactly what Jesus is. He will sit on the throne and His kingdom will be established forever. That is the good news that God will accomplish for Israel, but it will be in a future time. But now, God only has bad news for the northern kingdom. His intent and desire would be that they would be corrected by the things He has brought upon them, but they haven’t. They have continued in pride and disobedience. And so God will continue to raise up His hand against them. And He will address every echelon of society because all are responsible for the evil that is being perpetuated. He would much rather be proud of us in the ways we follow him, then to let our pride lead us against Him.
God will bring His Messiah and the government shall be on his shoulders.
God is not done judging the nations of Israel though. “For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.”
Isaiah 9
Isaiah 9:6-7