Christ in Isaiah! [Isaiah 9-10]

6For 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.7There 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 to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore the zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

Every year around Christmas time you hear these words sung or read in churches around the world. The words were penned by the prophet Isaiah about 700 before the birth of Christ. However, most of Isaiah's life and writings had a different focus. In chapters 1-5, Isaiah pronounced Judah's sins and the coming judgment with a promise of a future restoration. In chapter 6, Isaiah was commisioned by God preach a hard message even though no one would listen to him or his message. Then in chapters 7-12, God gave a warning to King Ahaz of Judah and for Israel. In several chapters after that, there are warnings to the nations. And then the message grows even bigger to speak of judgment of the whole world. Although the book of Isaiah is a long and convoluted book with some messages that are easily understood alongside messages that are a mystery. I have longed to understand this book for some years and as I have been studying Isaiah through a Precept study this past year, I am beginning to have more clarity and understanding of it. Meanwhile, I am always blessed by the words of Isaiah 9:6-7.

We praise You Father that You give us all sorts of messages in Your word. Cause us to search out Your truth and wisdom in all of Your Word and especially in the harder writings by Your grace.
Beth Warlick, 11/2/2009