Majesty Series

Majesty

Pictures of God This Christmas Part 3

Isaiah 9:1-7

SLIDE 1

INTRODUCTION

SLIDE 2 - Queen Elizabeth II

The song was written by Pastor Jack Hayford. He relates how he came to write this song, and his interpretation:

In 1977, my wife and I were traveling through Great Britain, from Wales to Scotland. It was the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and symbols of this event were everywhere.

Pastor Hayford began to reflect on the fact that the provisions of Christ are not just forgiveness, but a restoration to a royal relationship with God, as sons and daughters of the Heavenly Majesty.

Majesty describes the regal, royal nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, not just a simple, objective statement of worship. But it is also the fact that when we recognize our relationship to Jesus – one of which we are a child of a royal king, we are rescued from death and free to have victory in every part of our lives.

However, many people don't feel like worshiping a king at Christmas. Many people can feel distressed during Christmastime.

(9:1) – Even though we are distressed, God brings gifts this Christmas.

Here is these verses, Isaiah uses many pictures to convey the fact that God is going to build community, provide sanctuary, but also display his majesty. Now when we talk about majesty, we do not mean this majesty.

We mean the majesty or glory or royal honor of God. Isaiah reveals to us many pictures that convey this fact:

SLIDE 3

GOD PROVIDES MANY GIFTS TO US THIS CHRISTMAS

PICTURE GIFT VERSE

Light Direction 9:1-2

Harvest Joy and Satisfaction 9:3

Burdens are broken Relief 9:4

Your violence, troubles, past sins Purpose and Peace 9:5

When you fulfill your purpose, you have peace.

SLIDE 4

GOD PROVIDES US PRESENTS BECAUSE HE HAS THE POWER

Why can God give you these gifts? Because God has the power to do so. (9:6)

These verses are a worshipful expression of the presence and power of God in our lives.

God gives us His PRESENCE which are like PRESENTS.

(9:6-7) God had the power to bring Jesus. He has the power to give Jesus all authority. If He can do such big things, then he can certainly provide these gifts to you.

SLIDE 5

This is a two-fold prophecy. By that, I mean that the prophecy was partially fulfilled when Jesus was born.

Unto us a child is born. – This notes Jesus and His humanity.

Unto us a Son is given. – This notes Jesus and His deity.

This was fulfilled when Jesus came to the world in Bethlehem during His FIRST COMING.

SLIDE 6

And the government shall rest on His shoulders. – This describes a physical authority that Jesus will have when He returns, during His SECOND COMING. Then Isaiah says that Jesus will acquire four titles. Following the titles, Isaiah prophecies that Jesus will have a government that will never end.

No one will be able to conquer Jesus’s rule. No one will overthrow His government. No one will take away His crown. Why? Because He has already received the authority. He has already received people who will join His kingdom.

What might such a government look like? First of all, it would look like its king. Politicians of this day look for what they can get from you. Jesus looks for what He can do for you.

Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Jesus surrounds us with His servanthood.

Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Jesus uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.

Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. God so loved that he gave . . .

Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Jesus brings peace and rest to hearts.

The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Jesus was Emanuel, "God with us."

Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Jesus sought anonymity so He could be useful.

Obviously, Jesus is not in charge of the halls of Washington, London, Moscow, Baghdad, Paris or Berlin. So, how can we ever believe the "government will be upon His shoulders"?

Actually, His government shows its workings in wonderful ways. Whenever I see someone who miraculously leaves a life of drugs or alcohol and is restored to his family and work, I can see that he is now governed by God.

Whenever I see loving Christians gently caring for orphans and those rejected by family, I know I am watching people governed by God.

Whenever I see people eagerly learning the Bible and joyously praising, I know who the governor is.