June 24
Isaiah 8:1-11:16
Israel and Judah find themselves in what seems like a hopeless situation. The most powerful kingdom on Earth is approaching with a massive army, and death, exile, and destruction seem imminent. Yet scattered through these chapters of warning come messages of hope. Isaiah 9 speaks of the light to come and a joy that will overwhelm the darkness. This hope comes from the one who will be born who will “be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6): Then Isaiah 11 speaks of the one to come who will have the Spirit of the Lord upon Him and will usher in a time of unparalleled peace that extends even to the animal kingdom. This hope for Israel came from the (then) future Messiah, Jesus.
Israel could look beyond their present circumstances and stand strong in hope. The same is true for us. Even if we find ourselves overwhelmed by our present difficulties, we can fix our eyes on Jesus and find a peace that surpasses understanding. We look back to his first coming and all he has already done, while looking forward to his second coming and the ultimate fulfillment of our hopes and those of Israel.
Father God, thank you for breathing hope into all situations. Help me to never become so overwhelmed by my circumstances I lose hope in you and the plan you have for my life. Thank you for Jesus and the hope I can always find in him. Amen.
Where in your life do you need some hope and how can you remember the hope you have in Jesus?
Israel and Judah find themselves in what seems like a hopeless situation. The most powerful kingdom on Earth is approaching with a massive army, and death, exile, and destruction seem imminent. Yet scattered through these chapters of warning come messages of hope. Isaiah 9 speaks of the light to come and a joy that will overwhelm the darkness. This hope comes from the one who will be born who will “be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6): Then Isaiah 11 speaks of the one to come who will have the Spirit of the Lord upon Him and will usher in a time of unparalleled peace that extends even to the animal kingdom. This hope for Israel came from the (then) future Messiah, Jesus.
Israel could look beyond their present circumstances and stand strong in hope. The same is true for us. Even if we find ourselves overwhelmed by our present difficulties, we can fix our eyes on Jesus and find a peace that surpasses understanding. We look back to his first coming and all he has already done, while looking forward to his second coming and the ultimate fulfillment of our hopes and those of Israel.
Father God, thank you for breathing hope into all situations. Help me to never become so overwhelmed by my circumstances I lose hope in you and the plan you have for my life. Thank you for Jesus and the hope I can always find in him. Amen.
Where in your life do you need some hope and how can you remember the hope you have in Jesus?
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