The book of Isaiah is fascinating because of how it seamlessly goes back and forth between prophecies for the current nation of Israel and future prophecies about the coming Messiah.  In Isaiah 9 there is a little bit of both including this famous passage about the coming of Jesus.  Let’s look at it together today.

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

In the midst of condemning the people of Israel for their sin and warning them of the judgment that is coming to them, Isaiah also offers this glimmer of hope for the coming Messiah.  God is like the parent, who in the midst of punishing their child is also reminding them of just how much He loves them.  That reminds us that God is a God of justice who must punish sin.  He is also a God of love and grace who will go to extreme lengths for His children.  Today and every day remind yourself of the truth of the character and nature of God.  He loves you more than you will ever know.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave