HOPE WAS ALWAYS COMING
Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-7, Isaiah 53 and 61:1-4; Psalm 22; 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Zechariah 9:9 and Matthew 1:18-25;
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness
Isaiah 9:1-2
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
hope was always coming: The light in the darkness
The message of a prophet is not always easy to understand. They can often sound depressing or foreboding but if we keep reading we will most likely hear them deliver a message of hope. Such is the case in Isaiah chapter nine.
Having just mentioned the people living in darkness and despair, he then announces a time is coming when the land will be filled with glory and a great light will shine on those living in darkness. He speaks of a time when they will grow in number and be found rejoicing like those at harvest or warriors following a great conquest. Chains will be loosed, burdens lifted, and the rod of their oppressor will be broken – not because of great and wonderful things the people have done but because a baby will be born.
For a child is born to us,
Isaiah 9:6-7
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
HOPE WAS ALWAYS COMING:The victor
This baby was not a surprise. The baby was spoken of in the days of Adam and Eve, when God spoke to the serpent following the fall of man in the garden (Genesis 3:15). Yes, this child was the ONE who would one day defeat the enemy. From His birth to His ministry to His role as the sacrificial lamb, and even to the uncanny details of His death – imaged through the words of David – Jesus Christ is scattered throughout the old testament and fills the New Testament giving us the HOPE we have in Christ!
And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
Genesis 3:15
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Application: How then shall we live
Live with HOPE not despair
Walk in the LIGHT not the darkness
Keep your eyes on God and His promises, remember that all of His promises are yes and amen in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20) – the HOPE of the world (Matthew 12:21).
The nations will put their hope in His name. … And in his name shall the Gentiles hope. … And in his name the nations will hope.” … All nations will place their …
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Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, from the beginning You planned to give Your people HOPE and an everlasting future. You spoke it in the Garden and delivered the message through Your prophets, as well as King David and others. Your passion and commitment are obvious! Your promises are good and true – and in this we have HOPE! Yes and Amen – in Jesus!