November 30
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB)
Sin, injustice, and unrighteousness have reigned supreme since Adam was expelled from the Garden. These truths were revealed to Israel through the prophets. However, the people of Israel were called to be different. Israel was to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation—a kingdom in which justice and righteousness reigned according to the word of the LORD. The problem, of course, was that Israel was no different from the nations. The same sin, the same injustice, and the same unrighteousness reared its ugly head in Israel as well. Now the hope of all creation awaited the birth of the Promised One of whom Isaiah and the prophets wrote.
For some seven hundred long years after Isaiah wrote his book, a believing remnant held on to their hope that the LORD God of Israel wold prove Himself faithful. Then, just according to the words of the prophets, the Promised King was born. So, again this year, we remember back to the birth of the Promised Child, descendent of David, born of a virgin, born to fulfill all of Scripture. Yet still today, sin, injustice, and unrighteousness not only abound but seem to be rewarded. Evil seems to be winning!
Oh, dear friend, do not fret. The King did not stay in His grave! The King’s work is not finished! The Prince of Peace will return, and then the government will rest upon His shoulders. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace. He will reign on the throne of David and over His kingdom with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this!
So, during this special season of the year, celebrate His birth. Rejoice in His resurrection. But never forget, the Great King is coming! Even so, come LORD Jesus!