The Promise

Introduction

• Begin by painting the picture of darkness and despair in Isaiah 8:19-22, where the people sought answers in all the wrong places.

• Introduce Isaiah 9 as a message of hope, a promise of light breaking through the darkness.

• Historical Context: Around 733 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel was under Assyrian oppression. Isaiah’s prophecy offered a future vision of liberation and divine intervention.

• Quote C.S. Lewis: “Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.”

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Point 1: The Promise of Light (Isaiah 9:1-2)

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-2 - “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Exegesis:

• Isaiah declares that the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, once in gloom, will be honored as the land where the light dawns.

• "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light" symbolizes the coming Messiah who brings spiritual illumination.

Historical Background:

• These regions had suffered greatly under Assyrian rule. Isaiah’s prophecy offered them hope for restoration.

• Jesus fulfills this prophecy in Matthew 4:13-16, beginning His ministry in Galilee, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Implications:

• Without this light, humanity remains in spiritual darkness. In our postmodern world, this darkness is seen in moral relativism and hopelessness.

• John Piper: “The light of Christ is the brightness of God shining on the retina of the human soul.”

Application:

• Reflect on areas of darkness in your life and seek the light of Christ.

• Encourage the church to be carriers of this light to a world still in darkness.

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Point 2: The Promise of a Child (Isaiah 9:6)

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 - “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.”

Exegesis:

• Isaiah shifts to the specifics of the promise: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

• The titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Each reflects an aspect of the Messiah’s character and mission.

Historical Background:

• This prophecy is set against the backdrop of political instability. Israel’s leaders failed to bring peace and justice, but Isaiah points to a divine ruler.

• Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills this promise (Luke 2:11).

Implications:

• In a postmodern world, rejecting the promised Child means rejecting ultimate peace and counsel.

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”

Application:

• Trust in Jesus as the ultimate solution for peace and guidance.

• Reflect on how the Messiah’s titles apply to personal struggles today.

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Point 3: The Promise of a Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7)

Scripture: Isaiah 9:7 - “Of the greatness 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. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

Exegesis:

• “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”

• The promise includes an eternal kingdom established on justice and righteousness.

Historical Background:

• David’s lineage had been tarnished by human failure, but Isaiah foresaw a divine ruler from David’s throne.

• Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, fulfilling this promise (Mark 1:15).

Implications:

• Without this eternal Kingdom, humanity’s hope is limited to earthly systems, which fail to deliver true justice.

• C.S. Lewis: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Application:

• Live as ambassadors of this Kingdom, reflecting its values in your daily life.

• Call the church to prioritize eternal purposes over temporal distractions.

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Conclusion

• Reflection: What does the promise of the Messiah mean to you personally? How does it shape your view of the world?

• Challenge: Embrace the promise of light, the child, and the Kingdom. Reject the despair of darkness and live in the hope of Christ.