Isaiah 9 — For to Us a Child is Born
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom…” (Isaiah 9:1). Just after Isaiah paints a picture of gloom, he follows up with “nevertheless!” In the future, “the people walking in darkness have see a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (9:2). Yes, Lord! Let that be today! Let this nation, this world see the great light that is before them.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders…there will be no end…” (6:6,7). Isaiah shows plainly the faults of Ahaz (Judah’s king at this time), yet reveals God’s future plans or glory. Such a stark contrast, vivid black and white.
Not to forget their brothers in the Northern Kingdom, Isaiah 9:8 – 10:4 reveals God’s anger against Israel in four stanzas all ending with “Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.” (9:12, 9:17, 9:21 and 10:4).
The contrast between good and evil, right and wrong is clearly depicted here as we have the advantage of 20-20 hindsight. It’s not so clear in minute-to-minute realtime life, thought I suppose it should be. Lord, help me to differentiate the present to support your future, to learn from the past, but avoid being caught in the comfort of looking backward.