  OR UNTO US a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
In chapter 8, of Isaiah a prophetess gives birth to a son and God declares through him gloom, darkness and utter ruin to all who are given into familiar spirits, wickedness and also to those who set themselves up against God's people and the throne of David.
Isaiah 8:3-4 "Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, "Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; for before the child shall have knowledge to cry 'My father' and 'My mother,' the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria." NKJV
Isaiah continues in chapter nine how through their hunger, brokenness and dark despair they will see a great light.
Isaiah 9:2-4 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. "
In the midst of their darkness and ruin God still provides a ray of hope through a shining light, read Matthew Henry's commentary:
"He will bring the gospel of grace and through this grace God will break the yoke of sin and satan to remove the burden of guilt and corruption and to set us free from the rod of the oppressor. "
What shining light is God referring to?
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. NKJV
Its interesting how one son is bore as a sign of gloom and darkness and in the prior chapter 7, and again in chapter 9, we read how God provides a sign of Hope through the promise of His Son, "Immanuel" who is also known as the Light of Life and the coming Messiah.
This came to pass as we read in the book of Matthew:
Matthew 1:20-23 "But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"* which is translated, "God with us." NKJV
This is a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness, love and grace. We cannot begin to comprehend this but we can receive it and believe it by faith because He has already done it.
Imagine how God was giving them a promise long before hand through the prophet Isaiah of Hope, Light and Life during a time of dark despair, condemnation and gloom. He was giving them a shining light and ray of Hope that all was not lost because of the child He would bear one day through a virgin named Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit to bring forth His only begotten son, Immanuel, God with us.
If you are going through a trial, experiencing despair or discouragement be encouraged that through Jesus you can receive His life, His light and His Hope for your situation. He can be your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace if you will allow Him to. I have to repeat this quote again because I personally was blessed by it:
"The Messiah will bring the gospel of grace and through this grace God will break the yoke of sin and satan to remove the burden of guilt and corruption and to set us free from the rod of the oppressor. " (Quote by Matthew Henry Commentary)
If you have never asked Jesus into your heart I encourage you to give Him a try and see what God does in you and through you. Confess your sins; ask Him to come into your heart and believe by faith that He is who He says He is; The Son of God, He is the Light of Life and the Messiah. God is faithful and He will do it! (John 3:16, John 14:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-13)
May the Lord bless you this holiday season filled with His incredible love, mercy and grace and remember when He gave His only begotten Son He brought Him into this world with you in mind!
Merry Christmas!
Filoiann Wiedenhoff
Filoiann Wiedenhoff is a Pastor’s Wife, Work at Home Mom, Woman’s Biblical Counselor, Bible Teacher and Writer. You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter and visit her website.More columns by Filoiann Wiedenhoff
|
