For Unto Us, a Son is Given!
The richest of Old Testament books, Isaiah, gives us an incredible view of God. The most quoted prophet in the New Testament, Isaiah’s words include prophecy impacting his lifetime (739-701 B.C.). This is the Assyrian’s last period of greatness before their destruction by the Medo-
Babylonians. Before this, Judah and Israel had enjoyed a season of peace and prosperity not experienced since Solomon. Jeroboam ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. Uzziah ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. Both had a false sense of complacency. As the Assyrian conquest moved from north to south, God wanted Israel and Judah in her path. As Israel reaches a climax, a real king, a child of all things, will cause the end to all wars and establish an eternal kingdom based on justice and righteousness. That sounds like a wonderful gift in our current world of wars and rumors of wars! God, the Master of History, expresses through Isaiah the remarkable glory of this individual and the saving character of his reign. Christ is the ultimate expression of the truth that God is indeed with us, Immanuel! Not for our destruction, but for our redemption! Israel’s troubles, and the troubles of the world, will end through the birth of a marvelous child! The prophecy that began in Isaiah 7:1 finishes with an incredible, glorious burst of promise! God planned to change the world. And He did this through the birth and reign of the Prince of Peace!
Take a moment and read the Immanuel prophecy, as presented in Isaiah 7:10-17, and Isaiah 9:1-7.
Christ is glorious light dispelling the darkness! Despite being a message especially intended for the Jews…the world was walking in darkness when Christ came. We are all walking in darkness, needing a great light. The Light of the World, the Son of righteousness, the true Light which illuminates every man, woman, and child, comes to the earth to preach, teach, heal, and save! If you are walking through life right now with all that this world has to offer, but without the true God, you are in darkness. Jesus comes as a prophet to Israel to preach to the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. He is reaching out to you through these words!
Christ is glorious increase and universal joy
(Isaiah 9:3)! God did multiply the nation, both in the days of Solomon and Uzziah. In place of fear, there was joy, and the source of joy is the Lord. He is the only victory you have over the sin that separates you from God, a victory that brings about real joy in our hearts. Could you use some real joy this Christmas season? In Christ, you have the gift of joy!
Christ is glorious freedom and deliverance
(Isaiah 9:4-5)! At the time of Isaiah’s prophesy, the Jews rejoiced because the Lord had freed them! But God has, in His view, final deliverance for all humanity! Yes, the Assyrian emperors delighted in telling how they imposed their heavy yokes upon captive peoples, including the Jews. But Isaiah is allowed to look to a day when one mightier than the Assyrians of this world will break these yokes to pieces. Christ will one day impose a yoke, but it will be easy (Matt. 11:29-30), expressing gentleness and kindness! Our yoke is sin. The prince of darkness, our oppressor, has efficiently brought all humanity under his dominion. But now we have a glorious freedom that only God could have provided!
I love seeing Christmas gifts—elaborately decorated surprises hidden around the house and under the Christmas tree! Part of the joy of gift-giving is that until it is opened, the receiver does not know what is on the inside. Prophet Isaiah gives you the wonderful opportunity to open the greatest gift, but you have to open it! Let God dispel the darkness in your life, give you the greatest joy, and deliver you into His kingdom!
James
