Today’s Tasting: 2 Chronicles 27 & Isaiah 9-12
Our reading today begins with Isaiah prophesizing about the coming of Jesus.
The following is taken from the Believer’s Bible Commentary,
9:1–5 Now we are carried forward to the coming of the Messiah. The northern territory of Israel, called the land of Naphtali, which had been brought into contempt by the invaders, will be made glorious. (Galilee of the Gentiles was the Savior’s boyhood home and the scene of part of His public ministry.) Christ’s First Advent brought light to Galilee. His Second Coming will bring joy to the nation and put an end to slavery and war.
9:6 The First Advent is described in verse 6a: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” The first clause speaks of His humanity, the second of His deity. The next part of the verse points forward to the Second Advent:
the government will be upon His shoulder — He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. The rest of the verse describes His personal glories:
His name will be called Wonderful — this name is a noun, not an adjective, and speaks of His Person and work.
Counselor — His wisdom in government.
Mighty God — the omnipotent, supreme Ruler.
Everlasting Father — or better, the Father (or “Source”) of eternity. Eternal Himself, He confers eternal life on those who believe in Him. Vine comments: “There is a twofold revelation in this: (1) He inhabits and possesses eternity (57:15); (2) He is loving, tender, compassionate, an all wise Instructor, Trainer, and Provider.”
Prince of Peace (Sar-Shālôm) — the One who will at last bring peace to this troubled world.
9:7 His government will be far-flung, peaceful, and endless. Sitting upon the throne of David, He will rule with judgment and justice. How will all this be brought about? The Lord’s jealous care for His people will perform this.
Today’s Nourishment
When I read Isaiah I can’t help but relate it to our modern times. Isaiah was telling the Israelites of the coming of Jesus and warning them to turn away from their evil and sinful ways and turn back to God. However, their pride would not allow them to listen to him. They believed they had gained their power and wealth as a result of their own doing.
The big difference between then and now, is that Isaiah was telling about the first coming of Jesus. The Israelites didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament to teach them about the life and teachings of Jesus so they chose to ignore Isaiah—despite all that God had done for them through the generations–and continue on their path without God.
We on the other hand, have access to Jesus’ teachings through the New Testament and can see how the prophecy has come true. Yet humanity continues to make the same mistakes. The same sense of pride exists today as in Isaiah’s time. Nations continue to fight amongst themselves…Individuals continue to move farther away from God…and both believe they are in control and are the reason for their own successes.
When you pray, please pray
for the leaders of nations…that they make turn to God for guidance
for those who are lost…that they allow the Holy Spirit to chart their course
for those who have wandered from the path…that they may find their way home
Tomorrow’s Delight: Micah
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
Thank you for this post Monica. As I read, I prayed for our leaders, those in my sphere of life who are lost or gone astray. Oh, Lord help this nation come back to you! You are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!