Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 Have you ever been in a situation that just seemed hopeless? Things were going badly and getting worse and it seemed like nothing was ever going to improve. Maybe you even knew or expected that things would get even harder very soon.
This was the situation that the people of Judah were in. It was a time of God's judgment on the nation. Wicked king after wicked king had spoiled the country, causing the nation to go after foreign gods and to get caught up in their horrific practices. They were in a time of God's judgment for such wicked practices. It would not be long before Babylon would invade and carry the people off into captivity.
The people knew that God's judgment was upon them and that He would judge them for their sins. But the situation was not without hope. Even with God's judgment looming over their heads God gives them hope through the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 9. The picture is a beautiful one. Those in darkness will see the light, the nation will be enlarged and grow in joy, their burdens will be broken and they will no longer need their weapons of war. What will bring about this wonderful change for God's people? The answer is found in verse 6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Hope for the people of Judah is found in this great king. One who will reign forever on the throne of David. One who will rule with justice, righteousness and the love of a father. Jesus Christ is this King who will reign forever. Just as He was the only hope for the nation of Judah, He is our only hope for escape from God's righteous judgment and a way to deal with the blight of sin on our lives. In those hopeless situations we can be sure that He is with us, that He is working and that He loves us. Praise God that we can have faith in this incredible King.
Prayer: Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
- Pray for any Christmas events run by your church and in your community this time of year. Pray that God would be glorified through these events and that the gospel message would be proclaimed clearly at each one. Pray that God's people would be filled with joy as they celebrate the birth of their king.
- Pray for the carols night coming up at ChristLife this Sonday night. Pray that this time would be a time of celebration and excitement as we celebrate our saviour. Pray that God would bring many people to come and to hear about what Christ has done for us.
My Additional Prayer Points
Thank You
Thank you for journeying with us throughout this year as we have reflected on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, 1 Thessalonians, Ecclesiastes and as we have Looked Forward to Christmas in Matthew 1-2. We pray that you have grown in your love for Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. We pray that He has been changing your heart through the study of His Word just as He has been changing our hearts and that you have been challenged to share your life-changing faith with others more as we have.
ChristLife Presbyterian Church's Daily Bible Reading Notes will return in February 2014 as we study TRUTH: The Lies We Believe.
For your spiritual nourishment during this hiatus we recommend that you maintain a habit of regular Bible study and prayer. To assist with this you can source other devotional materials including Our Daily Bread which can be found at http://odb.org.
Praying that you would have a truly blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year as you find your true contentment and satisfaction in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
God's richest blessings,
The ChristLife Office Team
Pastor Esa Hukkinen, Minister
Josh Rowe, MTN Trainee
Lois Ward, Administration Officer
No comments:
Post a Comment