Advent Week 2
by Becky Davey
Years pass. God continued to reveal more and more about His Special Someone. He is revealed as the snake crusher, savior, Messiah, Shepherd, the Rock and much more. God also continued to select nations and individuals through whom He worked to accomplish His plans from long ago, from before time began. Some responded to Him in obedience and some refused His offers of friendship, fellowship; they turned away from His love and care.
God never gave up. He wanted people to know and fellowship with Him again. In the 700s BC a man named Isaiah heard God say, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Here I am! Send me,” (Isaiah 6:8). As often happens, when we live for God and tell people His words some listen, but many treat us just as they did God—with indifference, refusal to listen, sometimes even hatred. Isaiah began telling them some amazing things about the Special Someone to come. In chapter 9, Isaiah says something glorious was going to happen in the land of Galilee. In fact, it was so sure to happen he spoke of it as if it had already taken place.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: those who dwelt in darkness, on them the light shone…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.”
How amazing! God promises our snake crusher/Savior/Shepherd—whatever title we give Him—is to come as a child. He will establish His government and rule as a king! There are many new names given for us to understand what kind of a person He is. How can one person be all these things? What does it mean to me?
This week let us ponder/meditate on these verses. There is so much I think I’ll choose a different one or two a day; ones that speak to my heart. Please join me adding your own questions.
What does it mean for me that He is my Wonderful Counselor? What does a counselor do?
How do I see Him as Mighty God?
Everlasting Father: God is a wonderfully loving, caring father who makes provision for us. Perhaps your earthly father wasn’t like this so you find it hard to think anything good can come from a father figure, or perhaps you have a good father and find this a wonderfully comforting title. God is a father whose goodness and care never ends.
Prince of Peace: In this time of turmoil we need Him more than ever. He will bring this peace into our hearts despite the unrest all around us. Just think—there is no end to this peace, only increase. Compare with Jesus words: “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
What does it mean to me that he promises that there will be no end to his kingdom?
Today everyone seems to be seeking justice, and rarely feeling that they have found it. Yet, here is the promise of a kingdom with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore! Do I believe this? Is it really true? How do I connect with this kingdom?
Photo credit: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash