This week as we continue on the road to Bethlehem, we are going to spend a lot of time looking at one verse. This one prophecy has a lot to say about who Jesus is and what He came to earth for. Isaiah chapter 9 has a great prophecy of the Messiah. Verse 6 alone provides much rich description of the Messiah. But we're not going to get there today. Today we're going to look at the beginning of the prophecy. But first, let's read the whole thing.
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
4 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.
5 Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
6 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.
7 Of the increase 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.
Isaiah 9:1-7
Today I want to focus on verse 2. Let's read that again...
The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIrV)
When Isaiah made this prophecy, God's people were on the verge of being invaded by the Assyrians. This would be terrible for the Jewish people, especially in the Northern part of the promised land where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali lived (they were mentioned in verse 1). The Northern part of the promised land was the hardest hit by the Assyrian invasion when it happened, but here, Isaiah talks of a great light in the darkness. Darkness can be scary. Especially when enemies are out to get you. We've read Psalm 23 before out of your little Bibles. Let's look at what that says about walking in darkness.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (NIrV)
We also read about the darkness in our study of Psalm 119. Let's look back on a little of that.
Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me.
Psalm 119:105 (NIrV)
When we read the Creation account, what was the first thing that God said "Let there be..."
God said, "Let there be light." And there was light.
Genesis 1:3 (NIrV)
- We discussed three purposes for light the other night while looking at Christmas lights. Who remembers them?
- To help you see
- To help you be seen
- To communicate a message
- Considering those three purposes, how do you think this prophecy of Jesus the Messiah is represented?
- Like God's Word (and as you recall in John 1, we see Jesus referred to as "the Word"), Jesus helps us to see where we should be going? He is the example of the sinless human and we are to strive to be like Him.
- In Psalm 23 we read "you are with me." To me, this implies that God is close enough that He can see us, to the point that we are comforted. He knows where we are. Since it is through Jesus that our relationship with God is restored, Jesus helps us to be seen.
- Also through Psalm 23, we realize that we can have hope and we don't have to be scared. God's shepherd's rod and staff comfort us. Jesus is the good shepherd and he communicates a message of love, protection, and comfort to us.
- Last, but not least, do you recall what God said about light after He created it? He said it was good.
- If light is good, what must this "great light" be? great, very good
- Do you believe Jesus is the "great light" spoke of here in Isaiah?
Let's close by looking at the first chapter of John and read about how Jesus IS the light.
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 1:9
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