A series on Isaiah
9:6 – The Child of Prophecy
– Prince of Peace
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Isaiah 11:6-9; Revelation 21:1-8
[Jesus was a
child of prophecy. The Christmas story in the Bible was predicted in many Old
Testament prophecies but the centerpiece of these is Isaiah 9:6. It was written
nearly six hundred years before Jesus’ birth. In this series we’re going to
look at the meaning and implications of this amazing prophecy.]
When growing up, my family took many vacations in the Smokey Mountains as
well as the Rocky Mountains. Both are beautiful and majestic in their own way. There
is something calming and particularly peaceful about the mountains.
For many people, the mountains are their “happy place”. A place where you
find peace and serenity. A quiet place where you can think without
interruption. A place where you can reflect on life. A place where you
connect with yourself and with God.
It’s hard to say where Isaiah’s happy place was, or if he even had one. However,
he did have an encounter with God in the temple that ultimately led to his calling
as a prophet. The Lord spoke to Isaiah, and he responded, “Here am I. Send me!”.
As a result, Isaiah was Judah’s prophet during a chaotic time. There was
a threat of an impending coup by Israel, and Assyria was aggressively
expanding. Despite this, Isaiah trusted in the Lord’s Messianic prophesies
which gave him hope and peace.
Hundreds of years later, shepherds were
watching their sheep one night when the birth of that “little child” was gloriously
proclaimed by a “multitude of the
heavenly hosts”. It was an announcement for the long-awaited
Messiah to be born in Bethlehem.
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth
to those with whom God is pleased.” NLT Luke 2
“Peace on earth to
those with whom God is pleased”. It sounds like a truly
happy place. One that doesn’t depend on circumstances. A place where you could
experience peace from God, with God and of God. A peace that “surpasses all understanding”.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ESV Philippians 4
Like Isaiah, John also prophesied in Revelation 21 a vision of a future
world. On this occasion, it’s when Jesus returns for the second time and dwells
among us to establish his kingdom. In this vision, John drew a picture of peace.
4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There
will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old
order of things has passed away.”
It is here that “He will wipe every tear from their
eyes”. NIV
But this peace is not “pie in the sky” only to be experienced in the new
Jerusalem. Jesus made the following promise of a gift which is still available
for us today.
27 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. NIV John 14
Where is your happy place? Where do you connect with God?
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