Series: A COVID Christmas 2.0 [#2]
NEED PEACE?
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
Today is the 2nd week of the Advent Season. Last week, we studied hope. As we look back to Christ’s 1st arrival and look forward to His 2nd and final arrival; we are going to look at peace. Our Scripture today is actually a War Poem. Like most War Poems, this Passage is about peace. This is a reminder to us that the Bible is full of real stories- Stories about war, political corruption, murder, sickness, disease, etc… So, this Advent when we talk about hope, peace, love, and joy; we are talking about real life, not just Christmas tales that we tell our children every year. As we learned last week, Advent means arrival. Let’s look at what Jesus brought at His arrival.
Isaiah 9:1-2
Jesus brought…
1. Light into a world of darkness.
This Scripture begins in darkness. This was written when the Assyrians invaded Israel and took many as captives. The Nation of Israel was already split with 10 Tribes as Israel and Judah and Benjamin as the Nation of Judah. When the Assyrians attacked, Judah would not help them. God promised Judah that if they would follow Him, that He would not allow Jerusalem to be destroyed. Instead, King Ahaz of Judah took money from the Temple to pay the Assyrian King to protect them. While Judah was not taken captive at this point, their political alliance meant nothing.
Ahaz wanted peace and security apart from God. He trusted in his own resources, policies, and power. Are you seeking peace and security apart from God? Are you seeking peace in the result of an election, personal finances, or personal health? We are sinful, which means that we are prone to seek peace and security in things apart from God; but we can only have peace by trusting in God and in His provision. God’s provision of peace is found in the Christ child. This war poem about peace points to Jesus.
Isaiah 9:3-5
Jesus brought…
2. Peace into a world ravaged by war.
The passage begins in darkness, but verse 2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”. Jesus the Galilean has come bringing joy to all Nations. The passage moves from a picture of war to a picture of peace. Jesus is the One who will liberate all people from slavery to sin and death. Verse 4 refers us to previous military victories led by God- Liberation from the yoke and burden of slavery in Egypt and God’s victory over Midian in the Book of Judges. The same God who worked these mighty acts in the past is working to bring peace through the Messiah. Verse 5 gives us a picture of Soldier’s boots, blood-soaked uniforms, and gear being burned in the fire. Christ is bringing in a time of peace, when war is over and there is no need for garments of war.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Jesus brought…
3. Something great out of the insignificant.
The government is on Jesus’ shoulders. The burdens put on us by the government have been taken by Jesus. Then, we are given 4 names of Jesus.
* Wonderful Counselor.
This word literally means “wonder-counselor.” The word wonder that is used here refers to Supernatural acts of God.
* Mighty God.
Jesus is God and He has the same power as the Father.
* Everlasting Father.
The Old Testament does not refer to God as Father very often. When it does, it refers to God’s covenant relationship with His people. He provides them with loving care and discipline of a Father.
* Prince of Peace.
Prince here means ruler, official, sometimes it refers to a military leader. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus’ Kingdom will not grow through violence and war; but through peace. The only person that will shed blood in this battle will be Jesus.
Conclusion:
There will be no end to Jesus’ Kingdom and peace. Jesus will rule in righteousness.
