Scripture to Read: Isaiah 9:3-5
As God leads Isaiah to write, we find God using Isaiah to write directly to the Messiah, in verses 3-5. As our Lord comes, He will bring joy and gladness to Israel, and to all who surrender to Him. Jesus said His ministry was like having a wedding party in Matthew 9:14-15. For us who belong to Christ, we know we have His peace and joy, but the earthly dwelling we live in gets in the way of us enjoying the fullness of His peace and joy. One day, when Christ returns the second time, His peace and joy will reign forever, and sin and death will be destroyed. But for now, we must pursue our fellowship with Him and His Word so that we can walk in His peace and joy daily (Philippians 4:6-8). God also has Isaiah mention the gladness people will have when Messiah comes. Their gladness is compared to the gladness of harvest time and the rejoicing when a battle is won. Harvest was a regular time of joy in Israel. After a time of laboring in the fields, the people would gather to eat and celebrate. The Bible often uses the analogy of the harvest to describe the coming of our Lord (see Matthew 3:12 for a picture of harvesting and removing). The other image used is about the victory after a battle is won, and dividing up the goods seized from the battle. We will one day be victorious with our Lord over sin and death, and we will live eternally with Him.
Challenge & Application
How are you currently living in the peace and joy Christ has given you through His Spirit in you? Who can you share this peace and joy with, this week, who really needs to hear it?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!