Light of the World!

¹ Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…. ² The people who walk in darkness will see a great Light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a Light will shine. ³ You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. ⁴ For You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod…. ⁶ For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (Yahweh), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Wholeness). ⁷ His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:1-4, 6-7, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Christmas! The Christmas season is the MOST wonderful time of the year. Yet, some people are often angry and sad during the Christmas season for many reasons. For some, Christmas is a time we remember our family and friends that are now living with the LORD in heaven, possibly a family breakup, or a job loss. No matter the reason, the prophet Isaiah gives EVERYONE a reason to HOPE and REJOICE! 

The prophet Isaiah ministered to Israel and Judah during a sad time. Sadly, a civil war split and divided the Israelites into the North (Israel) and the South (Judah) after King Solomon’s death (see 1 Kings 11:9-13; 1 Kings 12:16-20). The prophet Isaiah lived in the more pious southern kingdom of Judah where Jerusalem and the Temple were located (see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1). The prophet Isaiah ministered and served four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (see Isaiah 1:1).

When Isaiah began his prophetic ministry, Judah and Israel seemed strong and wealthy. However, the prophet Isaiah saw people using their power and wealth to plot evil, deny justice, and oppress the poor, widows, orphans, and aliens (Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 5:7, 23; Isaiah 10:1-4; Isaiah 59:1-4, 12-15; see also Jeremiah 5:23-28; Zechariah 7:9-10; James 1:27). Men went around drunk, and women cared more about their clothes and outward appearances than their neighbor’s hunger, hopelessness, and oppression (e.g., see Isaiah 3:16-24; Isaiah 5:7-12). The LORD God saw the people of Israel and Judah as drunken fools who did not honor Him and took bribes to pervert justice while letting the wicked go free and hurting the innocent, the poor, and the foreigner (Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 5:11, 21-23; Isaiah 10:1-2; see also Exodus 23:6-9; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-30; Ezekiel 22:12). People gave “lip service” to God with their many religious ceremonies, rituals, and fasts, and they kept up an outward appearance as righteous and good, but inwardly they neglected mercy, truth, justice, faithfulness, and goodness towards others (see Isaiah 1:10-15; Isaiah 5:7-24; Isaiah 58:2-5; Amos 5:21, 24; see also Matthew 22:37; Matthew 23:23; Luke 10:25-37).

The covenant LORD God of heaven commands our mercy, kindness, goodness, fairness, and justice towards others, particularly foreigners, the fatherless, the poor, oppressed workers, and widows (Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 58:6-7; see also e.g., Exodus 22:21-22; Leviticus 25:17; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Psalm 33:5; Jeremiah 22:3; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 5:7; Matthew 9:13; Luke 11:42; 1 Timothy 6:11-12). The living LORD God Almighty wanted His creation to stop doing wrong, learn to do right, and seek goodness and justice for others in need and not just more ceremonial rituals and self-serving fasting (e.g., see Isaiah 1:16-17, 23; Isaiah 58:3-4). The living LORD God – Yahweh – loves justice, goodness, and mercy, and He hates robbery, evil, and wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8; e.g., see also Psalm 11:7; Psalm 33:4-5). Thus, the living LORD God wanted His people to follow His righteous example and pursue love, justice, goodness, and mercy towards others, especially the poor, the homeless, foreigners, orphans, prisoners, and the oppressed (Isaiah 58:6-7; see also Matthew 5:3-16; Matthew 25:34-36; Luke 6:36; Galatians 5:22-23).

Because of Israel and Judah’s injustice, evil, and neglect, the LORD God of heaven raised up the Assyrians as a tool to punish His unfaithful and wicked people (see Isaiah 8:4-8; Isaiah 10:5-7, 12). The LORD God became a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both Israel and Judah (Isaiah 8:14-15; see also 1 Peter 2:8). Even worse, because the people ignored the covenant LORD God and His righteous commands, they walked in darkness, depression, and despair (Isaiah 8:20, 22; see also Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 58:8). For the people came under the LORD God’s contempt and judgment because of their continual sin, rebellion, and disobedience against Him and His holy covenant (Isaiah 3:14-15; Isaiah 8:22; Isaiah 9:1; Isaiah 10:1-4; see also Exodus 20:2-23:13).

Moreover, the LORD God of heaven raised up His servant Isaiah and many other holy prophets to warn the people to walk in all faithfulness and obedience to Him and His righteous covenant (Isaiah 1:16-17; Isaiah 7:9; Isaiah 8:13-14; see also 2 King 17:13; Jeremiah 18:11; Jeremiah 35:15-16; Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20). The prophet Isaiah did not walk in the ways of rebellious Israel and Judah (Isaiah 8:11; see also Ezekiel 2:8). Instead, Isaiah honored and obeyed the LORD God (Isaiah 8:13-14, 17; see also Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 1 Samuel 2:30). Moreover, Isaiah always hoped and trusted in the living LORD God of heaven for his strength, help, and guidance, and he encouraged everyone to do likewise (Isaiah 8:17, 19-22; see also Isaiah 40:28-31). The prophet Isaiah promised that the living LORD God of heaven would keep His people in perfect peace if they humbly and wholeheartedly obeyed and trusted in Him FIRST and followed His righteous ways (Isaiah 7:9; Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 26:3-4; Isaiah 48:17-18; Isaiah 50:10; see also Habakkuk 2:2-4; Matthew 6:33; John 16:33; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Philippians 4:7). The living LORD God called for Israel and Judah to come and seek Him and His righteousness with their whole hearts FIRST and FOREMOST to find rest, life, and peace (Isaiah 45:22; Isaiah 55:1-7; Isaiah 58:9; see also Deuteronomy 4:29; Amos 5:4, 6, 14-15; Matthew 11:28-30).

Amid Israel and Judah’s judgment, the prophet Isaiah gave a promise and certainty of the LORD God’s deliverance. Isaiah predicted Israel and Judah’s gloom and darkness would end because the living LORD God of heaven would send His greatest Gift! Isaiah saw the LORD God of heaven sending His Light into the world to end suffering, darkness, and bring salvation to ALL PEOPLE (Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 61:1-3; see also Matthew 4:15-16; Luke 2:28-32; Acts 26:23). The LORD God is Light, and in Him is no darkness (Isaiah 10:17; see also 1 Timothy 6:16; James 1:17; 1 John 1:5).

This great Light from heaven would be filled with God’s glory and righteousness, and He would shine on the world (Isaiah 9:1-2; see also Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:78-79; John 1:4-5, 9, 14; Ephesians 5:8, 14). Whoever followed and obeyed this great Light would never walk in darkness but will have the light of life and become people of the Light (e.g., see Matthew 5:14; John 8:12; John 12:35-36, 46). Moreover, Isaiah predicted that the LORD God of heaven would send this great Light to bring joy and gladness into the world (Isaiah 9:3; see also Luke 2:10). Even more, this great Light would break the chains of oppression, war, and depravity for the poor, widows, and the outcast, and bring justice to the nations (Isaiah 9:4-5; see also Isaiah 42:1, 4, 6-7; Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 4:18-19).

Amazingly, Isaiah predicted this great Light would come as a Child, who will also be the Son of the LORD God of heaven (Isaiah 9:6; see also Luke 1:31-33; Luke 2:11-12; John 1:1-5; John 3:16; John 20:31). The living LORD God of heaven promised to send His Son as Immanuel into the world to be with and save His people from their sins (Isaiah 7:14; see also Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:6, 10; Matthew 1:18, 21-23; John 3:16, 34-36; John 17:23). Moreover, the prophet Jeremiah predicted this coming Light would also be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior as He will give the LORD God’s righteousness to all who believe and accept Him (Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 33:5-16; see also Isaiah 42:6-7; Romans 3:21-22; 1 Corinthians 1:30).

ALL governments of the world will look to this great Child as King, Ruler, and Lord (Isaiah 9:6; see also Matthew 2:2; Acts 2:36). The living LORD God would give all His authority in heaven and on earth to this great Child (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 3:35; John 17:2; Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:10, 20-22; Philippians 2:9-10). For in this Child, all the fullness of the God will live in human form, and He will be the head over every power, principality, and authority (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14, 16, 18; John 14:9; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 2:7-8).

The prophet Isaiah predicted this great Child’s royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father of Eternity,” and “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6; see also Isaiah 25:1; Isaiah 40:9-11; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 2:36; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1). This great Child will be One with His Father, the living LORD God and King of heaven – Yahweh (e.g., see John 5:19; John 10:30; John 14:9-11; John 17:11, 21-22; 1 Timothy 6:15). The living LORD God of heaven will anoint His Son an ever-expanding and peaceful government and Kingdom that would never end (Isaiah 9:7; see also 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:14, 18, 27; Matthew 3:17; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Hebrews 1:8-9; Revelation 11:15). This Child would grow in wisdom and understanding as the Spirit of the LORD would anoint Him (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 61:1; see also Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 2:52; Luke 3:22; John 1:32-34). He will become the Ruler of the kings of the earth (e.g., see Revelation 1:5; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16). Furthermore, this great Child will honor, respect, and love His Father, the living LORD God of heaven (see Isaiah 11:3).

Even more important, the prophet Isaiah predicted this great Child will become King, and He will rule from the royal throne of His ancestor, David of Judah (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:4-5; see also Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15-17 Matthew 1:1; Matthew 2:2; Luke 1:29-33; John 18:36-37; Romans 1:3). This great Child from the living LORD God of heaven will bring justice, goodness, and peace to ALL people of the world as He will only do what is just and right (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:3-5; Isaiah 42:1, 4; see also Jeremiah 33:14-16). For this great Child Himself will become our peace (e.g., see Luke 2:14; John 14:27; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:14). Finally, Isaiah assured Israel and Judah this will happen because the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies is true and faithful, and He always keeps His promises (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 46:9; see also Deuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13: 2 Corinthians 1:18, 20).   

Sadly, upon hearing the prophet Isaiah’s great predictions, the people of Israel and Judah laughed and scoffed at Isaiah (see Isaiah 9:8-9). Even worse, the people of Israel, with pride and arrogance, indicated they were strong enough without God’s help and resources to protect their cities and walls from foreign destruction (see Isaiah 9:9-10). Israel and Judah placed their trust in themselves rather than in the living LORD God. In response to Israel and Judah’s continual sin and pride, the living LORD God promised to raise up their enemies against them and even cause infighting between Israel and Judah (Isaiah 5:25; Isaiah 7:1, 8, 17, 20; Isaiah 9:11-12, 17, 21; Isaiah 10:4-5; see also Leviticus 26:14-15, 17; Deuteronomy 28:15, 25; 2 Chronicles 28:16-20).

Even with Isaiah’s warning of the living LORD God’s coming judgment and wrath, the people refused to repent by turning from their sins and wholeheartedly seeking the living LORD God of heaven with all humbleness, love, and obedience (Isaiah 9:13; see also Jeremiah 5:3; Hosea 7:10). Sadly, Israel and Judah sought guidance, help, and protection from every source, including foreign governments, mediums, spiritists, military forces, astrology (starry hosts), and even the dead but not the right Source, the living LORD God of heaven (Isaiah 8:19-20; Isaiah 30:1-2; Isaiah 31:1; see also 2 Kings 16:7-9; 2 Chronicles 28:16, 22-25; Jeremiah 5:1-3; Hosea 7:10; Zephaniah 1:6-7).

Moreover, the living LORD God of heaven promised to destroy the leaders and lying prophets of Israel and Judah (Isaiah 9:14-15; see also Jeremiah 5:30-31). For these worthless leaders and prophets corrupted and led the people down the wrong path and tolerated the people’s sins and wickedness (see Isaiah 9:16-18). The leaders judged for bribes and kickbacks, priests taught for a price, and the prophets told lies and illusions for money and committed sexual sins (Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 10:1-2; Isaiah 30:10; see also Exodus 23:8; Leviticus 19:15; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 23:13-14, 32; Ezekiel 13:8-16; Micah 3:11; Micah 7:3). Even the young people, the widows, and orphans had become filthy-mouthed, uncaring, and wicked liars because of these evil leaders and lying prophets who were deceiving the people (Isaiah 9:17, 20-21; see also Jeremiah 14:14, 18). The people came to love the darkness (see John 3:19).

Thus, the LORD God of heaven promised to bring His anger, judgment, and discontentment against rebellious Israel and Judah (Isaiah 9:17-21; e.g., see 2 Kings 15:29-31; 2 Kings 17:4-23; 2 Kings 25:1-24; 2 Chronicles 16:4). Israel and Judah rejected the living LORD God’s sign – the coming Light of the world and the Prince of Peace because they loved darkness (John 3:19-21; see also John 1:4-5, 9)! Therefore, the living LORD God of heaven promised no heart peace but discontentment, darkness, and despair (Isaiah 9:20; see also Isaiah 8:21-22). However, EVERYONE who accepted Isaiah’s message and turned to the living LORD God found light, peace, and deliverance (e.g., see Isaiah 26:3, 12; Isaiah 40:1-2, 31).

Amazingly, Isaiah’s message of hope and Light was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus! The prophet Isaiah saw Jesus and the holy LORD God Almighty (Isaiah 6:1; see also John 12:41). After Isaiah saw Jesus and the LORD God Almighty’s glory and goodness, Isaiah saw life with a renewed hope and our need for obedience and trust in God (see Isaiah 6:1-8). 

The New Testament writers saw Jesus fulling the prophet Isaiah’s predictions. The apostle John declared Jesus as the great Light of the world as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (John 1:4-5, 9; John 3:19; John 9:5; John 12:46; 1 John 2:8; see Isaiah 9:2). In fact, Jesus referred to Himself as “the Light of the world" (see John 8:12). The same message recurs in the Holy Scriptures’ final pages, where the new Jerusalem in heaven is illuminated not by the sun and moon but God’s glory and Light (Revelation 21:23-24; Revelation 22:5; see also Isaiah 61:1-2, 19-20; Zechariah 14:6-7). Moreover, the apostle Matthew quotes from the book of Isaiah in describing Jesus’ ministry of coming into the world as Child and Light (Matthew 2:1; Matthew 4:14-16; see also Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7; Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 61:1-3). Jesus is our Immanuel – God with us and the Light as predicted by Isaiah (Matthew 1:23; Matthew 28:20; see also Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 8:8, 10).

Importantly, Jesus encourages everyone who believes and trust in Him to shine light in the world and flew the darkness and evil (Matthew 5:14; John 8:12; see also Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 2:5; Ephesians 5:8, 11; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). The living LORD God of heaven sent His Son Jesus to rescue His people from the darkness and walk in the light of good works and deeds (Isaiah 42:7, 16; see also e.g., Matthew 5:16; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9). Our good works and deeds bring glory to Jesus’ Father, the living LORD God Almighty of heaven (Matthew 5:16; see also 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12, 15). Moreover, Jesus calls EVERYONE to produce good fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – for His Father’s glory (John 15:8; see also Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11; Titus 2:7, 14; Titus 3:1, 8, 14). For the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true (e.g., see Matthew 7:16-20; see Ephesians 5:9). Even more, Jesus calls EVERYONE to be merciful, just as His Father is merciful (see Luke 6:36).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).