Today we are reading Isaiah 9. In this chapter we read about the coming of the Messiah. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV This passage is very familiar and is often read at Christmas time. We recognize this as speaking about the birth of Jesus but very few people are familiar with the context. In the time of Isaiah (740 BC) foreign powers were being used by God to punish His people for their rebellion. The people suffered greatly but refused to repent. In the midst of their suffering, Isaiah gives us this prophecy about the coming Messiah. How are the people of our time similar to the people of Isaiah’s time? What spiritual advantage do we have over those people of 740 BC? May God bless you as you live your faith in a crooked generation. Pastor Tim
