A Messianic Prophecy in Isaiah
Today’s Bible reading* includes a familiar prophecy concerning the coming Messiah. It is often quoted around Christmastime.
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (CSB)
The reason this prophecy is so familiar is that George Frideric Handel included it in his symphony “The Messiah”. Isaiah sees a day when God’s people will be delivered from their oppression and restored to God.
Application
Isaiah had eyes to see things that God revealed. He listened to God’s voice and faithfully recorded everything he heard.
Throughout the book of Isaiah, God reveals through His prophet that He will bring destruction on His people for their sin in order to bring them back to Himself. And He often shows how Jesus fits into His plan of fully restoring His people and establishing His Kingdom reign.
Isaiah’s prophecies such as this one and the one in yesterday’s reading (Isaiah 7:14) had immediate fulfillment in people in his day. But the prophecies also had a future element where the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And only Jesus could fulfill those prophecies.
As you read through Isaiah, look for Jesus. But don’t forget that Isaiah prophesied to people living in the Eighth Century BC who would live to see the partial fulfillment of prophecy.
Even though prophecies like today’s were fulfilled in Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment is yet to be seen. We wait for God’s Kingdom to be consummated when Jesus comes to gather His bride, the church, to live with Him forever.
* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– Isaiah 9
– Isaiah 10
– Isaiah 11
– Isaiah 12
This devotional was originally published on July 10, 2021.
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