Isaiah 9:1-21
Book of Isaiah is full of contrast with multi-fold messages. From Chapter 8, we learn that the result of our wrongdoings is things getting worse fast and furiously (Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz). But in the first part of Chapter 9 (v1-7), we are given the message about the first and the most precious Christmas gift (Immanuel). Handel made a great masterpiece out of these glorious verses, when the choir sang, it made my heart rejoice! It’s been a few days after Christmas and all the gifts were unwrapped and the commercial spirit of Christmas subsided. Is this great news of the Savior and the first ever Christmas gift still the music to our ears? Lord, may we find the true peace in you, no matter what circumstances we are in, whatever is ahead of us. May we enjoy Immanuel, you word, your son, and your spirit is with us always!
Following the theme of redemption and judgment, Isaiah 9:8-21 is about the wrath of God. The phrase ‘his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised’ repeated in v12, v17, and v21 to emphasize the multitude of men’s sin and the severity of the punishment. How can they escape? – Return to the Lord and seek Him only (v13). As the new year approaches and the three ‘Re’ words (Return/Rebuild/Redevelop) are shared with us as the theme for the work of GCBC in 2021, may the Lord help us to be resolved to follow Him and seek Him only! —- Ivy Lin
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