Isaiah 8:19-9:7

To Us A Child Is Born

Isaiah 8:19-9:7 Christmas 2010 Preparation
Key verse 9:6 Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 12-12-10
(Adapted from a message delivered in Chicago UBF 12/5/10 by Kevin Albright)

"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."

Merry Christmas! Last week we thought about Jesus, who is Immanuel--God with us. Today, we want to marvel and wonder more about Jesus. Jesus is the Great Light who dispels all of our darkness. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. May you discover who Jesus is to you! May Jesus reign in all our hearts now and all year!

Part l: God’s Hope For His Suffering People (8:19-9:1)

First, Jesus is the Great Light. Isaiah the prophet lived in dark times. Two immediate neighbors to the north, Syria and Northern Israel, were threatening Judah. The brutal empire of Assyria was planning to conquer and pillage them all. The hearts of Ahaz, king of Judah and of his people were shaken with fear, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind (7:2). Though all the people were shaken by fear, the LORD warned Isaiah not to follow the way of this people. He said, "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread." (8:12-13)

The devil uses fear of people and of circumstances to enslave and paralyze people and keep them in darkness. This was true for the people of Judah and for us today. Americans became more fearful after the terrorist attacks of Sep.11, 2001. These days the unstable economy has made many people fearful. Out of fear, people seek answers in strange ways: like asking a psychic, reading horoscopes or even following the advice from fortune cookies. They buy lottery tickets with a vague hope for a miracle to happen. By seeking answers apart from God, they can never find the way but rather plunge themselves into greater darkness.

Let’s discover God’s way of coming out darkness. Look at verses 19-20. "When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn." God wants us to seek the answers in prayer through his word. Guides, who do not speak according to God's word, have no light of dawn. Following such blind guides leads us into idolatry, more distress, deeper darkness and fearful gloom (8:22). But following the word of God leads us into the light of God.

In those dark times, Isaiah saw God’s light instead. Look at chapter 9:1-2. Isaiah wrote, "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress....The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (9:1a, 2) Isaiah saw the light of God breaking through the gloom and dispelling the darkness. This light would enlarge the nation and increase their joy, like people rejoicing at harvest time or after a military victory.
Isaiah remembered another dark time in Israel's history when the light of God broke through to deliver them (Jdg 6-7). Look at verse 4. "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." The Midianites were powerful oppressors of Israel. At that time, the Israelites cried out to the Lord. God's word to Gideon was, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Gideon replied, "...if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?...the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." God's message to Gideon was, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?...I will be with you..." In the middle of the dark night, Gideon and 300 men blew trumpets, smashed clay jars and shouted out loud. The light of their torches broke through the dark of night. The Lord caused the Midianites to turn on each other. The Lord brought about a great victory for his people. Isaiah foresaw another great victory from God. Military clothing would be burned as fuel. There would be a time of peace. This happened under King Hezekiah's reign in battle against the Assyrians.

It happened in a more global and spiritual way some 700 years later. Matthew quoted these verses from Isaiah in his gospel. Just after Jesus was baptized and tempted by the devil, Jesus went and lived in Galilee, by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah wrote: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt 4:12-17)

The light of the world is Jesus. He guides us, even in a world full of darkness. Once Jesus and his disciples saw a man blind from birth. The disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus replied, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (Jn 9:1-4) Then Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the pool of Siloam." So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (Jn 9:6-7) This man was brought from the darkness of blindness to the light of new life by Jesus. Jesus’ disciples, who may have despaired about their inability to do the work of God, suddenly were illuminated with the knowledge that all they needed was mud and spit and faith to do the work of God. Jesus' critics, however, remained in darkness. They accused Jesus of being a sinner because he did this healing on the Sabbath. The blind man testified boldly in defense of Jesus, "I was blind but now I see!" (Jn 9:25b)

We know the modern story of a missionary to Egypt. Growing up in Sudan, he grew to hate Muslims. But through Bible study, he heard Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then he began to love and pray for Muslims in Egypt. He loved and prayed for those who mocked him and called him, "monkey." The light of Jesus brought him out of the darkness of hatred into the light of God’s love.

Once an adulterous woman was brought to Jesus (Jn 8:3-11). She was caught in the act of her dark lifestyle. The Jewish law required that she be stoned to death. When Jesus was interrogated and forced to take a stand regarding this woman's fate, Jesus said, "Any of you who is without sin, throw the first stone." They all walked away, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left. Then Jesus asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus brings us out of the darkness of condemnation into the light of his forgiveness and new life.

Without the light of Jesus we are all walking in darkness. But this does not have to be. John 3:21 says, "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." One young man was trapped in the darkness of a hedonistic and lustful lifestyle. Another young person was stuck in the darkness of despair and fatalism until he even lost the will to live. But through the word of God and the grace of Jesus, the light shined upon them. Jesus is the Great Light, the true light that gives light to every person (Jn 1:9). Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

What else did Isaiah say about this light? Look at verse 6a. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders." The light of God would drive out the darkness through the birth of a child. Jesus is that child. God sent his Son to be born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus' birth the glory of the Lord shone upon Bethlehem shepherds, and they were terrified. But the angel of the Lord said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2:10-14)

Isaiah prophesied, "and the government will be on his shoulders." The government of God--the rule of heaven, would rest upon Jesus' shoulders. But he is not a selfish, power-hungry tyrant like so many in world history. Isaiah described his reign more fully in verse 7, "Of the increase 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." This government would grow forever. This peace would never end. This King would establish and uphold his kingdom with justice and righteousness from then until forever. How would this happen? Isaiah wrote, "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

Part ll: To Us A Child Is Born (9:3-7)

Isaiah described the marvelous character of this coming king. What is he like? Look at verses 6-7, “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.” First, Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. We all need advice, counsel and wisdom. We need a good, reliable coach and cheerleader, who tells, us not necessarily what we want to hear, but what we need to hear. We need someone who guides us in the best way. What is it worth to have such a counselor? Many people will pay $50 an hour to go and tell a professional all their problems, but they are limited in how much they can help others. We all have decisions to make which determine the direction of our lives. Decisions as to when to get up in the morning and what we will do that day must be made. There are major life decisions to make: What shall I do with my life? Whom shall I marry? Where shall I go to school and what shall I study? What jobs shall I apply for or take? Shall I go out as a missionary or stay where I am to serve God? The most important life decision is, "Shall I accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord and commit my life to him? Shall I believe the Bible as the word of God?" For all these and more, we need the Wonderful Counselor's wisdom and help. And so who is the counselor we so desperately need?

Jesus gives us the best counsel. Jeremiah 29:11-12 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." The Bible calls the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, the Counselor (Jn 14:16). We need this Wonderful Counselor to guide and direct us. When we pray and ask him for wisdom, he will give us wisdom. James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." And his counsel is with each of us, 24/7, never stopping as God counsels our hearts through his word and spirit. And the best part of it, is that it is free.

Second, Jesus is our Mighty God. Jesus is not just our shepherd and friend, he is the mighty God. Through him all things were made. He sustains all things by his powerful word. By his mighty word, "Be clean," lepers were healed. By his word, "Ephphatha!" a deaf man could hear. By his word, "Talitha koum!" a dead girl came to life. By his word, "Quiet! Come out of him!" and "Go!" demons fled. By his word, "Quiet! Be still!" a stormy sea subsided. By his word, "Lazarus, come out!" and the dead man walked out of his tomb. Is anything too hard for Jesus?

There was a man who was known as a troublemaker who hurt many people. So he was chained. But he broke the chains and moved into a graveyard. People were afraid of him because he looked crazy and harmful. One day Jesus met him and asked, "What is your name?" "Legion," the man replied, "for we are many." Today, this man would either be ignored or put in a mental hospital or locked up in prison. But Jesus helped him. Jesus commanded the evil spirits in him: "Come out of him!" Jesus set him free from the torment of demons. From that time on, he became a blessing by telling many people what Jesus, the Mighty God had done for him. (Mtt 5:1-20) Nothing is impossible for Jesus, the Mighty God. He created all things. He created you and me. He is the Owner of our lives. The Mighty God stooped to save helpless sinners. When we worship Jesus, the Mighty God, his power works in and through us.

Fourth, Jesus is our Everlasting Father. A good father loves, protects, trains and provides for his children. With a loving father, children grow up well n their humanity. But there are many children whose fathers are not present in their lives for one reason or another. Most juvenile delinquents are missing a positive father-figure in their lives. Some of them turn to gangs or to mischievous friends in an attempt to fill the void of a loving, caring father. However, even the best of human fathers have faults and cannot be there all the time for their children. Ultimately we all need an Everlasting Father. Jesus is an Everlasting Father to us. He will not abandon or leave us. Dr. William Altobar of the Philippines has three children of his own. He also has a father's heart for needy children; so he adopted three more children. Even a good human father like Dr. William cannot be there for his children forever. Only Jesus can be our Father Forever. Jesus promised in John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." He promised to be with us forever in Matthew 28:20, "Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

I thank God that I can be a father to my five children. I try my best to be a faithful father who teaches and lives by the truth, who provides, who protects and who is in “the mix”. But even though I try my best I have many flaws. I get angry. I expect the worst. I loose my patience. I criticize and blurt out biting hurtful words. I become blind to the good things. My sins make me unable to fulfill all of my duties as a godly father. But though I have many sins and flaws, my children are prospering and growing. It is not be cause of me. It is all because they have an Everlasting Father, Jesus, who is with them always. He is with each of them to protect and provide and train and guide. He is with me in the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, to remind them of his words of promises and commands. Jesus is our Everlasting Father, who cares about all his children. He gave his life to rescue his children from the power of the evil one. Jesus is full of love. His heart is always turned toward his children. He said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mt 19:14) He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is our Father who will love us forever. We are safe in his arms. No one can snatch us out of his hands. Praise Jesus for his fatherly love.

Fifth, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The Jewish people have a great word for peace. It's Shalom. Shalom is not the absence of conflict. It is a state of contentment, safeness, satisfaction, completeness, health and blessing. Isaiah had a beautiful vision of the peace that God would bring in Isaiah 11. Even the lion and the lamb, natural enemies, would be friends: "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:9)

Why don't we live in peace? This peace was lost due to sin. Sin broke the relationship between God and people. Sin also broke the relationship between people and people. War continues between nations, between tribes and between individuals. There is interpersonal conflict between spouses, neighbors and colleagues. Everyone wants peace. We want peace in our world and peace in our hearts. People seek inner peace in so many ways. Some seek peace through a vacation, through drugs, alcohol or immorality. Others try to forget their troubles through parties, sports, video or computer games, or music or sleeping in or some other hobby. These things may give an illusion of peace, but troubles soon come back. Dark clouds of depression and anxiety rob their joy. People have heavy hearts, weighed down by anxiety about grades, marriage, jobs, children, and an uncertain future. Where can we find peace?

Isaiah wrote in 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (NLT) God promises peace to those whose minds are stayed on him. The Prince of Peace gives us peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace promised in John 14:27, "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."

Then how is Jesus the Prince of Peace? How did he bring peace to people on earth? The peace starts God’s work in our own hearts. Romans 5:1 says, "...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul declares that sinners have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus brought this peace to us through his blood shed on the cross. This peace is given to those who accept the sacrifice of Jesus on their behalf and commit their lives to him. Paul used a word to describe this reunion of God to man and man to man. The word is "reconciliation" and it means to "get back together" (Ro 5:10-11). Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace we are brought back into a right relationship with God through the forgiveness of sin. Through Jesus, we have peace with God.

There was an angry man who hated others because he thought he was right and all others were wrong. His goal was to destroy people who didn't agree with him. To his great surprise, one day he heard a voice calling his name, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He replied, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:1-18) The enemy of Christ was not destroyed. Instead he was forgiven and called. From that time on, Saul, who became better known as Paul, gave his whole heart and life to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. Paul pleaded with people to repent and believe in Jesus and be saved. In the past he worked hard to destroy Christians. But through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and by his grace, he worked hard to save others by proclaiming in Jesus the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. Paul became a man of love and peace since he knew the Lord of Love and Prince of Peace.

May Jesus, the Great Light, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace come and dwell in our hearts, throughout our nation and the world at this Christmas time and forever.

Part l: God’s Hope For His Suffering People (8:19-9:1)

1. In a dark time, what hope did Isaiah see for his suffering people? (8:19-1a) How had God disciplined them in the past? (1b; 2Ki 15:29b) How would he honor them in the future? (1c) Read verse 2. How did Jesus fulfill this? (Mt 4:15–16)

Part ll: To Us A Child Is Born (9:3-7)

2. What good news for the nation was the prophet Isaiah bringing his people? (3–5) What lesson was learned from Midian’s defeat? (Jdg 7:19-21)How is the sign of Immanuel fulfilled? (6; 7:14) How does the birth of the child reveal God’s humility? (Php 2:5)

3. Read verse 6. Think about the meaning of each title here and how Jesus fulfills each one. (“Wonderful Counselor”: Jn 15:26; 4:1–26; “Mighty God”: Mk 4:41; Heb 1:3; Col 1:15; “Everlasting Father”: Mt 28:20; Jn 14:18; “Prince of Peace”: Jn 14:27; Lk 2:14)

4. Read verse 7. How did Jesus’ coming fulfill God’s promises to David? (2Sa7:13) Think about the characteristics of his reign: increasing, peace, justice and righteousness. How is all this accomplished? (Ro 5:1; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:18; Mt 5:44; [2 Sam 5:2; Jn 10:10; Mt 2:6] Mt 11:28-30)


5. Which of the titles of Jesus in verse 6 are especially meaningful to you at this Christmas season?