To us a child is born                                                               

Isaiah 9:1-7     2005 Christmas Lesson 1

Key Verse 9:6

In this passage Isaiah describes the meaning of Jesus’ birth in a most compressive way; but the point of the message is simple: the birth of Jesus means the vision and hope for complete/perfect happiness in the Lord having been made practically available for all who believe in Him. 

In Isaiah 9:1-7, the Prophet Isaiah (who lived about 8 centuries before Christ) foresaw the day of the Savior coming to the land of Israel, and describes the work he came to fulfill. What do the following statements tell us about the meaning of his birth to you?

people walking in darkness have seen ‘a great light’;

** It means no more walking in darkness, for the words “a ‘great’ light” indicates that because his light is so great that it is impossible for one to see His light, not being able to identify darkness as darkness, and overcome it. By nature, light cancels out darkness. The minute you turn on the light the darkness disappears. But some darkness is so great that with regular light, it cannot even be identified. And Jesus’ light will show every hint of darkness that exists on all different levels with different forces.

Remember that people’s problem is first the problem of darkness built inside and outside of them. And Jesus came to show a great light for people walking in all kinds of darkness.  

 

on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned;

** The shadow of death refers to how death is reflected in a real life. Death does not have any entity like man’s body or a tree. But it is as real as a right hand of a man is real. People living in the shadow of death refer to those who show all the signs that they are ruled by the power of death. The dawning of the light indicates that just when the day dawns the darkness of a night thins out and eventually fails and disappears, so also all the signs/symptoms of death will sooner or later disappear from the life of all who have Jesus’ life inside of them.

you have enlarged the nation;

** As used in the Bible, each person is viewed as a nation (carrying the possibility to produce tons of people one by one so that as the generation deepens, eventually a nation would come out of him). Examples include the Lord God saying to Rebekah that two nations are in her womb. Gen 25:23.

As of Jesus’ life being born in a man’s heart, the Lord God is going to keep increasing the number of the saved souls as he keeps believing and obeying the Lord. 

The point here is that it is in Jesus that we can truly increase in number and multiply as Gen 1:28 calls us to do. 

[you have] increased their joy; 

** This joy is because of Jesus helping each believer to overcome the power of sin and death. The joy is then the fruit of the Holy Spirit residing in each person’s life. 

They rejoice before you [as people rejoice at the harvest…]

** This refers to the joy of “salvation” [into His kingdom] having become a reality (as the word “harvest” suggests.) [Harvest = crop] 

you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors; and

** This refers to the perfected/finished work of Jesus’ salvation for all who believe in him. That is, even about 8 centuries before Christ, Isaiah saw that it [Jesus offering himself as an atoning sacrifice] was a ‘done’ deal. 

every warrior’s boot... and garment…will be fuel for the fire. 

** True peace that lasts forever, peace between God and men, and peace among men, and peace among all creations, has already been made visible. 

Verse 6 begins with the word “For”. What does this word suggest about the meaning of Jesus’ birth to you today?

** All the works that are described in seven ways in vs. 1-5 are as good as already having been fulfilled in my life, only because of Jesus living in my heart. 

Verse 6a says that the government will be on his shoulders. What does the word “government” indicate about the role of Jesus as the Savior of the world?

** Jesus is the ruler, the one who “governs’. 

Verse 6b describes four titles of the Savior to be born: 1) Wonderful Counselor; 2) Mighty God; 3) Everlasting Father; and 4) Prince of peace. What does each of these titles mean to you? 

** [Wisdom] 

This means that I am going to be very successful in all I do, for with Him working as my counselor, I am going to do everything exceedingly well. Read Pro 15:22

** [Power and Strength] 

I will never run short of power to get anything done, for He is going to make me strong. Phi 4:13. 

** [Conviction of love]

Father is a source of security. Father provides children with protection and provision. Children who grew up without a father tend to be insecure. But in Jesus, we are connected to God the Father. So we will never become insecure. Rather we will be able to stand firm, despite many difficulties and hardships. Read Romans 8:31-39

** [Health]

I can enjoy total soundness in body, mind, and spirit, for peace is the key to one becoming sound, stable, solid, and steady. 

Verse 7a reads, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” What does this passage tell us about his government? The life of those who live under his rule? 

** His government is eternal.

** The life under his rule will enjoy eternal life. 

Verse 7b says that he [the Savior] establishes and upholds his kingdom “with justice and righteousness.” What does this passage tell us about the difference between Jesus’ kingdom and the kingdoms of the world? 

** Worldly kingdom suffers from the lack of justice and/or righteousness, so that it is based on something other than justice and righteousness. For example, of course, the U.S. government was based on Biblical principles, but nowadays it is getting increasingly secular in terms of the guiding principles. But Jesus’ kingdom is different. It is based on his character which is perfectly just, and perfectly right.

Most importantly Jesus died for our sins, making all believers to be righteous!

Verse7c says, “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” What does this statement teach us about the promises found in Jesus Christ? 

** All of them are going to become a reality, for God is working on the promises with his zeal. 

The end

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