FRIDAY Isaiah 9:2-7
• “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Yet even after meeting Jesus, Paul would write, “Now we see a dim reflection” (1 Corinthians 13:12). In what ways has Jesus already lit up your dark world? In what ways are you waiting for the full glory of God’s light?
• We sometimes miss verse 5 of Isaiah’s message: “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning.” The child to be born, he said, would be called “Prince of Peace.” How can you more fully follow the Prince of Peace, and resolve conflicts in his way, in your day-to-day dealings with others?
Reflection by Jeff Griffin
Have you ever read a passage of the bible and found yourself saying . . . huh? Then you re-read it and you’re still kinda lost? Well, that’s exactly how I found myself after reading today’s verses. I found myself trying to understand context and grammar and then trying to answer some thought provoking questions. No matter what I did all I could think about was a different question:
Can you imagine having to wait for the “great light” Isaiah speaks of?
Talk about a reality check.
Isaiah’s descriptions provide a stark contrast for the people of that time but they are not so unusual or far removed from what we see and hear about in our town or elsewhere around the world. The difference is that no matter the struggles, frustrations or personal “darkness” I face, verses like this always remind me of what an incredible blessing it is to have seen and experienced the light of Jesus Christ. I often pray, “God, thank you for all the blessings . . . the one’s we noticed and the many we missed.” Those blessings are proof that Jesus has already been a shining light in my life in more ways that I could recount here and I’m sure there are ways I’ve yet to realize and ways I’ll never fully comprehend. That perspective is truly humbling.
At the same time we can also relate to the waiting and hope Isaiah speaks of when swords turn to plows and uniforms can be burned because we also wait for the return of the our savior, the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.
So as I stumbled through the writings of a prophet I found clarity and hope. A renewed appreciation for the light of Jesus in my life and hope for the day when He will reign again. It’s the same clarity and hope Isaiah gave to people thousands of years ago as he spoke of the coming birth of the Messiah.
That is the amazing power of the Word.
I hope, as we continue in this season of Advent, you’ll experience the great light that is His counsel and His peace and be reminded that He is always strong enough and will never leave us or forsake us.
See you Sunday.