Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV)

Today’s passage might be a familiar one to you, but it might also take on new meaning within the context of Isaiah. There’s been a lot of bad news for the Israelits so far. Their kings have led them astray, they’ve spent their time oppressing the poor and taking on the very bad habits of people who don’t know God. They have lost their way and no longer trust their God, and they’re in for some serious judgment. What hope is there? Even for those who make it through, who repent and humble themselves, who will be able to lead them? They need someone who can bring light into their darkness, someone close enough to see and touch, strong enough to rule with integrity, with righteousness and justice, someone who is wise, someone who brings the kind of shalom they long for. They need Immanuel.

Listen with open ears, remembering what’s come before in the story, and looking forward to a story you may have already heard…

----------REFLECT----------

1. How do you think this prophecy might have given hope to the Jewish people?

2. We can’t help but see Jesus all throughout this passage, and yet in some ways we find ourselves in the middle of the story. He has come, the righteous king from the line of David, from Galilee... but we still long for his reign to come in full. We are in that in-between time. His kingdom is “already, but not yet.” In what ways do you long for the kingdom described in this passage?

3. Sometimes we feel like we see pretty clearly, but other times we can definitely empathise with people who “walk in darkness.” In what part of your life do you need to ask the Lord for his light? For hope? Clarity? Or a bigger vision of who he is?

----------GO DEEPER----------

Bible Project: Isaiah 1-39 >>

BP Exploring My Strange Bible Podcast: The Meaning of Hope >>

InterVarsity Press Selections: Isaiah >>

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