Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
1. As we bid farewell to 2025 today, we also close out this mini-series highlighting the grand reality of Emmanuel, when God dwelt among humanity.
2. We have pondered several critical truths associated with His coming: the seed promise, His nature and purpose, and His current work pleading for His people.
3. We conclude with special focus on the reversal of fortunes He grants to God’s people as He turns gloom into glory.
Discussion:
I. The Gloom of Rebellion (Isaiah 8:1-22)
A. Isaiah 8 holds a chilling warning for Israel and Judah due to their perpetual rebellion.
B. Israel was warring against Judah with the help of Syria (Isaiah 7:8-9; 8:3-4; 2 Kings 16:5-6).
C. Ahaz, king of Judah, sought protection from Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria rather than God (Isaiah 8:5-6; 2 Kings 16:7-9).
D. For their transgressions, both would become targets of Assyria (Isaiah 8:4-10).
E. Isaiah 8 ends with gloom and darkness over God’s people (8:19-22).
II. The Guarantee of Restoration (Isaiah 9:1-5)
A. Thankfully, God is faithful, and He had promises to keep to them and all humanity (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 22:17-18; 2 Samuel 7:10-17).
B. Those who suffered so terribly for their rebellion would be restored in Messiah’s reign.
C. Those walking in darkness would see a great light (cf. John 1:4-13; Matthew 4:12-16; Luke 1:76-79).
D. The yoke of bondage and staff of their oppressors would be broken, thereby multiplying joy to God’s people (9:3-5).
III. The Glorious Reign of Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7)
A. All these truths were to be fulfilled by a Child, the Son to be born.
B. Isaiah depicts His glory in terms of His person first, and then in terms of His reign.
C. The Messiah would be known as:
1. Wonderful counselor: supreme in wisdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:2-3).
2. Mighty God: Emmanuel, God with us.
3. Everlasting Father: unending care.
4. Prince of Peace: not ease but true peace (John 14:27; 16:33; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14).
D. His reign would be marked by:
1. Endlessness: every human institution comes and goes; His never ends and never changes (cf. Hebrews 13:8).
2. Justice and uprightness (cf. Psalms 89:14).
3. Certitude: the zeal of the Lord of hosts would bring it to fruition (Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37).
Conclusion:
1. Though the sources of gloom and darkness may change, the solution never does.
2. The reign of Messiah is an invitation for us to move from darkness to light, oppression to freedom, and fear to peace.
3. If this has not been your reality in 2025, be sure that changes today.
Further Food for Thought
1. What is your default reaction when times of gloom and darkness fall?
2. Do you ever find yourself trusting in the wrong source for help when these unavoidable times come your way?
3. How can we rewire our defaults to turn to Him first, fully, and finally?