Isaiah 9:2–7 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 9:2–7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined. Verse 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. Verse 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. Verse 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. Verse 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Verse 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Devotion
Isaiah is writing to people who are suffering greatly. The kingdoms of Israel and Judah are at war. The Empire of Assyria is invading. Widows, orphans, the poor—everyone is being slaughtered. The people don’t know what to do.
Notice how God uses children to speak to the situation. Isaiah tells King Ahaz, in Isaiah 8:16–22, “I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts.” Then he warns the king not to listen to those who “consult the ghosts or the dead gods of Canaan.”
The vision of hope for the people of Judah was that “a child has been born for us, a son given to us.” The promises of God call to us from the future, embodied in the children.
Prayer
O God with us, may we lift our eyes from the despair of death around us. Give us the eyes of children and trust your promises with hope. Amen.
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