THE COMING KING: IT ALL STARTS WITH HIM!

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Over the next few weeks, we will concentrate our time together on two verses that, in a sense, encapsulate the significance of Christmas. These verses are recorded in the inspired writings of the prophet Isaiah during the mid-700s B.C. In addressing a nation (Israel) that was experiencing dire circumstances due to its adversaries and its own rejection of God, Isaiah offers a message of enduring hope through our Creator. 

Isaiah 9:6-7 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. 7Of 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. 

Vs 6a For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder… 

1. The coming King

Vs 6a For unto us a Child is born…

• Isaiah 7:14 tells us of a Child which will be born of a virgin called Immanuel (God with us)
• Isaiah 9:6 begins the narrative of the significance of this Child
• Isaiah is speaking of what God will do in the sending of the Messiah after the difficult and desperate times of Israel recorded in the previous chapters 

2. God coming for us

Vs 6b ..Unto us a Son is given…

• Again, the word “Son” is used to describe not just an ordinary child but the Son of God
• This is vitally important as it is the only path to peace 

3. It all starts, and ends, with Him

Vs 6c …And the government will be upon His shoulder…

• The word “shoulder” is used here to show immeasurable strength indicating everything will be “carried” by this Child
• While this passage is regularly used at Christmastime, it is more likely a prophecy of the Second Coming of Christ

Vss 1-5 (NLT) Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

• The clear understanding of what this Child will do is deliver Israel from the overwhelming weight of this world. The beginning of this process was the birth of Christ, the conclusion will be in Heaven for all eternity

Takeaways:

• Don’t allow the stress of our current day to strip you of the hope found in Jesus
• Jesus is not just an encouraging teacher who was born from whom we learn how to live, He is almighty God who carries everything upon His shoulder
• The darkness of today is temporary, Jesus has “prepared a place” for us all (John 14:1-6)