December 4th

Isaiah 9:1-7

Following on from yesterday’s readings here we find Isaiah speaking to the situation where the north of Israel which includes Zebulun and Naphtali have been conquered by Assyria and the people are in darkness. But Isaiah’s prophesy speaks  hope to them, and he is so confident he speaks as though it has already happened. The Messiah will come like light bursting out in Galilee. Matthew in his gospel draws attention to the fact that the start of Jesus ministry is in this very region Matt. 4 :12-17.

The pain of verses four and five will resonate for many in our world right now; slavery, oppression and bloodshed were their experience. Jesus came to defeat our most awful enemy and destroy the forces of evil forever. The people of Israel are to be released from oppression, war will cease and the perfect ruler will arrive. Where darkness has fallen light has come.

In our times of distress we have to choose what we will believe in. Do we remember God’s past action on our behalf, or do we forget? The references in verse four are to the yoke of slavery in Egypt, and the day of Midian to their defeat of the enemy under Gideon’s leadership. These two events were the result of acts of faith and trust in God; something we saw yesterday that Ahaz didn’t want to do. The darkness and distress that we may experience in life are real, but they are not the whole story. Isaiah goes on to tell us that the answer to all of this is going to be a child, a son who is born of a woman but given to us by God.

This child is to be a wonderful counsellor, literally wonder-counsellor, wonder being akin to supernatural or out of the ordinary.

He is the mighty God, a hero come as the one who will defeat the enemy.

He is the everlasting Father. This may seem strange in reference to Jesus but we know that he comes to represent the Father to us, but also to act as a father to his children.

He is the Prince of peace, making peace through his blood

There will be no end to the increase of his government and peace, there will be order, there will be fairness and justice in this Kingdom forever.

And finally, we are told that it is the zeal of the Lord or his passionate commitment that will achieve these things. God’s plan in action.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on the four different titles Isaiah gives to Jesus. How have you experienced these in the past, and what might you need to experience at this time? Pray for yourself and others that you may know Jesus in all his fulness.