Isaiah series
In our last study, we considered the plight of humanity with spiritual blindness. I hope we understand the serious condition mankind finds itself: we aren’t even aware of our condition.
So, we have blindness coupled with ignorance and willful rejection of a truthful diagnosis of the problem. Men seek astrology, palm reading, fortune telling, meditation, and numerous other ways to find the answers to life’s great questions — all while rejecting the revelation given by God.
In this study, we want to dwell on a marvellous truth ― the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined upon them that dwell in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2)!
We need reminding that the best promises are given in the darkest hours. In Matthew 4:16, we are told that, when Jesus came and dwelt in Capernaum ― which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali ― the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2 was fulfilled. The source of the light that gave sight to the blind was Jesus, and Jesus is the one who continues to give light to the blind!
We need reminding that the best promises are given in the darkest hours
Three things are promised by God in Isaiah 9:1-5 that Jesus has fulfilled and continues to fulfil as redemptive history progresses.
Salvation (light), sanctification (increase) and evangelisation (enlargement) are the three main watersheds in church history. And all were made possible because of the fulfilment of verses 6-7, “For to us a child is born…”.
We have, in this prophecy, two things: a child is born, and a son is given. As a true man, Jesus came in space and time like all other humans, with the two exceptions of His miraculous conception in the womb of a virgin and His sinless nature. The Messiah, the one who was given to redeem and deliver His people, came as a child.
How profound is the doctrine of the virgin birth. He could say to God, with us, “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, and intricately woven in the depths of the earth” (Psalm 139:13-15).
We are told in Hebrews 10:5, “Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for Me’”. This body prepared for Him was to be the means of providing the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross of Calvary. It is the same body that was raised in resurrection power and ascended into heaven.
According to His promise, He will also return in the same body to live forever with His people. These truths should certainly convince us that the physical body itself is not evil as many eastern religions teach. His body, like ours, is the external means for the expression of the life within. Our life began at conception; His life has no beginning. The Son was there to be given. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
Our life began at conception; His life has no beginning. The Son was there to be given. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
The person of the Messiah is revealed through the names given to Him. We are told that He would be an everlasting King (vv.6-7), who would order and establish His kingdom with judgment and justice. His names give witness to the impeccable character that enables Him to do this.
There are not enough words in all the languages of men and angels to encompass the character, words, and actions of Jesus. At 12 years old, “all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:47). The multitudes were “astonished at His teaching” after His sermon on the mount (Matthew 7:28). After reading the Scriptures in His hometown of Nazareth, “And all spoke well of Him, and marvelled at the gracious words that were coming from His mouth” (Luke 4:22). It is because He is Wonderful.
Christ is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). None could resist the power of His intellect and ability to apply truth. So many today run to human counsellors and bypass the One, who through His Word, would give wisdom, strength, and encouragement.
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). The universe and all things in it have a personal beginning and that Person is Jesus.
So many today run to human counsellors and bypass the One who gives wisdom, strength, and encouragement
Translated literally, it would be, “the Father of eternity”. This name refers to a twofold revelation: (i) Eternity is His habitation and possession, (ii) His relationship to His people is one of compassion, tenderness, and love who trains and provides for His own.
Jesus will subdue all of His enemies, so that peace will be the atmosphere of the future new heavens and new earth.
A child born. A son given. His names and attributes described. Christians do not worship an unknown god. Have you experienced the new birth, and as a result, demonstrate the power of a new life from within? Or, are you going through religious motions, yet are unfamiliar with the ever-present God? Don’t fall into the trap of worshipping worship.
Tom Horvat completed his BA in education and theology at Washington Bible College. He pastored a house church for 15 years and served as a volunteer chaplain in a local prison for 20 years. He is now retired and pursuing interests in hiking, kayaking, nature study and wood crafting. He is passionate about ecology and published a book entitled New Creation Ecology that is available on Amazon. Tom has seven children and 13 grandchildren with his wife of over 40 years.
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