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July 13th

Our bible reading today is in 2 Chronicles 27 and Isaiah 9,10,11,12.

Straight to the text...“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time, he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:1-2, 6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The invasion of the Assyrians would be awful for the Jewish people. Especially the northern kingdom of Israel’s ten tribes, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Isaiah described the invasion as trouble and darkness and gloom of anguish.

But today’s prophesy is far from gloomy...it’s full of hope for Israel and for us today who believe.

Bible history teaches us that the northern tribes were the first to suffer at the hands of Assyria’s siege. But in the grace of God, they would be the first to see and experience the bright light of the Messiah...Jesus.

Let us listen and let our faith be enlarged...“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum (the northern part of Israel) by the sea of Galilee, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them, a light has dawned.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:12-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Awesome! God had a special blessing in store for this promised land of believing people. A piece of land that would go through such darkness. Isaiah was now helping Israel visualize the coming blessing of the Lord. Something that generations of believing Jews and Gentiles would look forward to in great hope.

‬ “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.

Isaiah‬ ‭9:3-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The life and work of the Messiah would bring joy and gladness to Israel. Joy, like the party, the celebration at harvest time. Joy, like warriors dividing the spoil of a battle won. Joy, like sandals and blood-stained garments burned as fuel for the fire that lights the sky for the victors. The war is over and complete. Rejoicing is the normal now.

Each of these promises concerning joy, the breaking of the yoke of burden, and the breaking of the rod of the oppressor was yet to come for Isaiah’s audience. But they have been fulfilled in the fullest measure in Jesus and the great salvation He bought for us on the cross.

“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”...Awesome Jesus.

Let us rejoice fellow follower of Jesus. Let’s rejoice friends.

Have a great day