Rejoicing in the Savior
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7, [7:14] "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [9:6-7] "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."
I know this is an extended passage today, but undoubtedly all three verses are connected. Israel and Judah are both facing God's judgment because of their sin and rebellion. But God offers hope in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. These verses speak of the miracle of the virgin birth, the incarnation of Christ, and list the character in which He stands primarily as our Saviour. His infinite majesty and Godhead are also clearly demonstrated. He comes as a child, who is born of a woman, born as a Jew, under the law, but not in an ordinary way (Galatians 6:4-5). It is difficult for some to put Christ, who would not come for another 700 years, into the context of this setting. Yet the coming of the Messiah has always been the hope of the Jews. This prophecy was intended to instill hope in the present and the future for the house of David. Would any of us have hope without Jesus? Would any of us experience victory without Jesus?
The word "for," with which Isaiah 9:6 begins, points to the reason for the victories predicted in the previous verses. Jesus is the source of all victory and was given unto us that we might experience victory. "...unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." His character is captured in the many titles given which are all-inclusive of His matchless name. "...His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Do you have any battles you are facing? God has given us His Son not only as a Savior but as the One Who conquers and brings us victory. Romans 8:37, "...we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." 1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Enjoy this day walking in the power of Christ's victory!!!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What hope does anyone have without Jesus?
2. Do you see God’s love in the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the Messiah? What does His coming mean to you?
3. Which of the titles expressing the character of Christ speaks to you today? Explain why?
4. Do the promises of God give you victory in everyday living? How?