Advent Day 6: A New Leader (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Isaiah 9:2-7

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.

 

 

When the Cubs won the World Series in November people were excited.  They had waited a LONG time for that day to come and as sure as God made green apples, it did come. 

This prophecy from Isaiah is kind of similar to that.  Israel is waiting and waiting for a new king to come and give them a long awaited victory.  Isaiah mentions Midian, a nation that had historically been antagonistic towards Israel.  At some points Midian had ruled over Israel.  But the day that Midian was defeated Israel rejoiced!  They were free!

The new leader, this Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace is going to bring victory and renewed peace.  It will be a far bigger and better celebration than what happened for the Cubs! 

Now think about the things that burden you, the "yokes" that are on your shoulders.  We are yoked with responsibilities for work or school, at home with the family or even if you are single.  You have a burden.  Maybe a lot!  Some you chose to take on, but many were probably given to you without your consent.  Maybe you got sick, or a family member died, or you lost your job.  The list goes on and on.  We all have burdens. 

But Jesus shatters those burdens.  Instead, He asks us to put our faith in Him, trusting that He will actually carry those burdens.  Instead, we get peace.  A peace that was paid for at a high price.  A peace that is eternal.  A peace that is rich and beautiful, not sentimental and simplistic.  It is a peace that gives life instead of merely tolerating it.  It is a peace that values all people and their unique characteristics and seeks to live and thrive in diverse community. 

It is a peace that not even death can destroy.  Because that great enemy has been defeated by the Son that was given to us to reign eternal.  The zeal of the Lord has accomplished this.  

Mighty God, we thank you for the zeal that you have for us and for establishing your kingdom of peace.  Give us faith to trust in your work and what you have accomplished on the cross.  Help us to rest in the hope of the resurrection with assurance that you are far more powerful and than any enemy, including death.  In the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace.  Amen.