Pastor Jonathan Falwell
All through December, we have been studying the two verses which are often used at this time of year to celebrate the arrival of Jesus on this first Christmas morning. As we have looked at the words in these two verses, we have been reminded of the goodness of God in the midst of the difficulties of life. God promised a coming Messiah who would deliver us all. This is the message of Christmas, but it also the message of hope for all eternity.
Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
1. He is able to calm your heart
Vs 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- As we discussed a few weeks ago, these words describe who Jesus has always been and who He is to us today
- There is no storm we face He cannot calm
- Numbers 24:17 I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.
- This Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah is a promise not only to Israel, it is for us as well
2. He is able to see you through
Vs 7a Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice…
- Is your problem too big for God to handle?
Gen. 18:14a Is anything too hard for the Lord?…
- Can you really count on His promises?
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
- Do you feel as if there is no way through?
2 Kings 3:18 And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand
- Is life too tough to handle?
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
- Is Jesus good at His Word?
Romans 4:21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
- Can He handle all of your needs?
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
3. He is able to see you home
Vs 7b … To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
- As we mentioned at the beginning of December, this passage is a picture of Christ’s millennial reign on this earth
- Regardless of the uncertainty and pain of today, the Coming King has prepared a place for us…for all of eternity
Gary Smith writes, “God’s promise to bring peace and justice to this world through the Messiah is also an encouraging message that people can share today, because the political situation in modern times is sometimes about as dark and hopeless as in the days of Isaiah. This good news offers another opportunity for rebellious people to turn from trusting in political alliances, mediums, and the spirits of the dead because God is their only true source of hope.”[1]
- Revelation 22:12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
[1] Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1–39, ed. E. Ray Clendenen, The New American Commentary (Nashville: B & H Publishing Group, 2007), 242.