Day 23 - Isaiah

So, we're into the Major Prophets -- big books of major players in the story of God's people.  Isaiah is perhaps the most major of the major prophets.  Though it's summer, this passage always jumps out at me for it's word of hope and it's beauty:

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 nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—




2 The people walking in darkness


have seen a great light;


on those living in the land of deep darkness


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 warriors 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 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.

    -Isaiah 9:1-7

You hear those words read at Christmas a lot.  I believe they are a prophecy about the birth of Jesus.  The intro to John's gospel echos those words about light coming into the darkness.  Jesus will bring honor to this village of Galilee and arrive on the scene at just the right time, and he will be bringing some pretty awesome things with him.

• Hope.  That's what the light is about.  No matter how dark it's been in your life, you can trust that light is coming.  You don't have to wander around aimlessly anymore.  Those living in the shadow of death have hope because of Jesus.  He brings good news because in him is forgiveness for sins and grace for the journey.
• Peace.  In Christ, there is no conflict.  When Christ reigns in final victory, the boots used in battle will be destined for fire.  There's no need for weapons and war when the King reigns supreme.  And we can have that eternal peace living inside us, to calm the wars going on in our own hearts.
• Authority.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  He is the final authority.  We don't have to question who's in charge.  This is Jesus' world.  We are His people.  All authority in heaven and earth have been given to him.

Why is this important?  Isaiah lived a long time ago but might as well be speaking to us.  The enemy is going to try to fill you with lies that you are hopeless and that you will never win the war in your heart.  Most of all, he's going to tell you that the sin in your life has authority over you and you can't escape it's tyranny.  But we believe on that first Christmas that a child was born who has the ultimate authority and offers peace to the restless and hope in the darkness.  That's why the angels sang for joy that night.  That's why Isaiah proclaimed it years in advance.  It might be June, but Merry Christmas.