Project 119: Heaven and Nature Sing | Isaiah 9:1-7
| Project 119 | Tim Sanderlin
Reading for Tuesday, December 8: Isaiah 9:1-7
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a king,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
-"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
Has there ever truly been a leader that seemed almost too good to be true? When you think of people in history, who comes to mind? Nelson Mandela? Winston Churchill? Joan of Arc? Maybe they weren’t necessarily political, but they left the world in a better state than when they found it, and dedicated their lives to the cause. So it was with the Israelites. There was one king to whom all other kings were compared: King David. Despite some of his major flaws, he was called the “man after God’s own heart.” He led many men to victory in battle, he responded to his sin with repentance, and he set in place many of the principles that would forever shape the family of Israel. While he, and other historical figures we can endorse, accomplished much for the betterment of mankind, they still did not have a perfect influence because they were not perfect. All of them fell short—even King David. All of them left things undone.
Isaiah assures us that this endless stream of flawed leaders will one day cease. There is another ruler and He is patient, but He is coming swiftly. The things we crave such as righteousness and justice will be established by this ruler, and they will never again be compromised. The one Isaiah speaks of is not just a safe bet, a good option, or merely anointed by God—He is God, born a child and yet a king, and has come for our sakes. We can put full hope, faith, and trust in His ability to bring peace, everlasting peace. He has come to raise us up and to reign over us. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.