This post is “Christmas – Day 4”, if you haven’t already read Day 1, please click here.
Please comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, please do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).
Christmas – Day 4
Isaiah 9:7
His government and peace will have unlimited growth.
He will establish David’s throne and kingdom.
He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever.
The Thought
Isaiah 9:7 His government and peace will have unlimited growth. He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever. Jesus talks of overcoming the world BEFORE his crucifixion and resurrection! He knew what was ahead of Him and He knew He would make it through.
In part of Jesus’ long farewell talk to His disciples He talked about His peace being different to that of the world.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
This long speech ends with the words:
I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
It is interesting that Jesus talks of overcoming the world BEFORE his crucifixion and resurrection! He knew what was ahead of Him and He knew He would make it through.
This month we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Even in a world which is far from peaceful, Jesus can give us an inner peace that the unbelievers in the world cannot have. We must let them see it in us.
Action
Are there family members, colleagues, people from earlier in your life that you need to make peace with? Reflect on what it means to live at peace with everyone you might come into contact with today. Pray for the peace of the Lord to invade everything you do, and for others to begin to recognise you as a person of peace.
Notice the last word of this verse: forever! Once Jesus does return and overcome the enemy for the final time there really will be peace, justice and righteousness forever!! That’s hard to imagine in our war torn, sick world. But praise God for His future plans for His world.