JOIN US IN CELEBRATING EASTER AT FIVE POINTS:

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Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

There is much beauty in the Old Testament, and few passages shine with as much beauty as Isaiah 9. The prophet Isaiah is writing during a season of Israel’s rebellion. Because of this rebellion, God would soon bring judgment on the people of Israel through the nation of Assyria. But amidst this looming threat of Assyrian oppression, Isaiah offers a message of hope. Even though God would bring judgment against Israel, His promises are sure and His commitment to establish an everlasting kingdom through the line of David would not be undone (2 Sam. 7:12-16).

Here, Isaiah looks ahead to this Promised One. The One who would be on the throne of David and establish God’s kingdom to the ends of the earth. The One through whom all oppression would cease. The One described here as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Israel’s biggest problem was not the looming threat of the Assyrians, but their own sinfulness. Through Isaiah, God promises that those who have been walking in darkness have a coming hope because of this Promised King, the One who would not only vanquish our external oppressors but our sinful, wayward hearts. He would defeat all of God’s enemies and usher in a new, everlasting reign upon the earth. 

The One who was promised in Isaiah’s day has now come in the person of Jesus Christ. In Christ’s birth, His kingdom was inaugurated. In His death, Christ achieved certain victory over all his enemies. Now, we look forward to the day when His kingdom will be established in its fullness, when Christ returns for those who have repented of their sin and are waiting expectantly for Him. In the first Advent, Christ came as a humble servant, a child born in a feeding trough. In His second Advent, Christ will return as a conquering King, proclaiming His just and righteous rule that will extend forevermore.

  • How does reflecting on Christ and His kingdom help us overcome the burdens we face in this life today?
  • How does the season of Advent help prepare us for Christ’s Second Coming, when he will return again for His people?

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