Tag: Isaiah 9:6-7
Week 11–Day 1–Abiding Peace
Scripture reading for March 9: Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto 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 Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah spoke God’s Word to a people who were struggling to find peace. The super power of that day, Assyria, was threatening to take God’s people captive. The people and their leaders were not fully committed to follow God either. But God knew what they needed. He spoke to them about His own zeal to bring them a government of peace. He would give them a Child, His own Son. This Son would shoulder the burden of government with great wisdom. He would be called ‘Wonderful Counselor’, ‘Mighty God,’ ‘Everlasting Father’ and ‘Prince of Peace’! He would bring a lasting peace of which there would be no end through His righteous rule! God Himself, Lord over angel armies, would bring it to pass!
Our world is no different today. God’s people are scattered among those whose lives are disrupted by selfishness and sinful influences. As a responder to less than peaceful troubles, the best thing we can show those we are helping is a calm spirit and a personal peace that reassures the hurting. The only way to truly have this peace is to embrace the One spoken of by the prophet Isaiah 2700 years ago. We must come by faith to Jesus Christ, God’s Son Who came to earth as a child. This Son was given as a gift to the world of sinful men and women. He came proclaiming the kingdom of heaven and inviting those who would humble themselves to enter and find peace. The Lord of hosts (angelic warriors) would bring it to pass and has through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for fulfilling this ancient prophecy given to people lacking peace and justice. Thank You for Your zeal to love us by providing the ‘Prince of Peace’ to rule over us eternally. Help me to reflect His peace to those I am sent to help. Amen.
Willing spirit, weak flesh!
Scripture reading for August 22nd: Isaiah 7-10, Psalm 22, Matthew 26
Matthew 26: 36-41 “Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here , and watch with Me.” And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and prepare for the cross. He had already been betrayed by Judas and Judas was going to escort the Jews to where Jesus was. He took His disciples with Him and instructed them to watch and pray. Jesus then went alone to implore the Father for a way of escape as His own flesh was weak. But angels strengthened Him and He committed Himself to do His Father’s will by offering Himself as the sacrifice for our sins on Calvary’s cross. The disciples fell asleep for their flesh was weak as well, but in God’s plan Jesus must finish the work of salvation alone through suffering and death on our behalf.
Psalm 22:14-15 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; You lay me in the dust of death.” (Psalm of the cross)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your strength and faithfulness to the Father to complete the work necessary for our salvation by tasting death on our behalf. Forgive me for being weak in my flesh and failing to watch and pray as I ought. Give me grace each day to accomplish Your will of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all You send me to.
Isaiah 9:6 “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. . .”