Advent Day 3

(HT: The image to the right was the result of a quick Google image search, but I actually really like it so I have to plug. Shaker Workshops makes that beauty and it's going for $50. You can buy me one if you want to.)

One of my favorite Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah is Isaiah 9. Verse 6 is the one you hear a lot this time of year, but start in verse 2:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. and fuel of fire.

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. 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.

(v. 2-7)

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light ..."

When you turn from the end of Malachi to the beginning of Matthew, you brush 400 years by in a moment. For four hundred years, Israel hadn't heard from God. They lived repressed by the Roman empire, hoping against hope that any day now that King would come. For 400 years. Our country hasn't even been around for 400 years. That's probably about eight generations. Your great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great-grandparents were alive the last time God spoke to His people.

Four hundred years of waiting without hearing from God equals how many years of waiting with Holy Spirit rocking the planet? IDK.

Verses six and seven are fantastic 'cause they kind of smush the nativity together with His return. Two thousand years isn't much in light of eternity - obviously. I like how it ends:

"The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

zeal: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something

In case there was any question.

The God who created the heavens and the earth with a breath came into His creation as the broke baby of a woman largely perceived as a slut. He died the most horrible death the Romans could contrive as an innocent Man. And soon, He will come back to establish His kingdom and be with us forever. Why?

Eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of you.