Isaiah 9 1 5 A Light has Dawned

Isaiah 9: 1 -5 A Light has Dawned

Chapter 9 • Destruction is not the final word; • Gloom is not the final outcome; • Something will take place that will lift the people out of gloom.

Because of a light! • Verse 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Verse 3 • You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy. • They rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder

First blessing • Deliverance from their enemies. • Verse 4

Second blessing • Peace. • Verse 5

Recap • Where there was gloom, there is now rejoicing. • Where, the people were dwelling in darkness, they are now dwelling in a great light that has dawned on them. • This light – has made them a larger nation than before, – has given them great joy, – has delivered them from oppression, and – has brought them lasting peace.

Correct Interpretation? • Has the nation of Israel been enlarged? • Has Jesus delivered His people from captivity? • Has He given them lasting peace?

The Problem • The problem is not out there; it is within your very hearts. Your problem is your attitude towards Me. • The captivity of the Israelites is only the outward manifestation of their inner spiritual condition. • They have turned away from God, specifically turning away from His Word, which now leaves them in darkness.

John 8: 12 • “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

Delightful twist • God the Son, who was spirit, took on a physical body and through a physical death brought about a spiritual deliverance for His people.

When He returns • He will fulfil Isaiah's prophecy completely. • He will complete the salvation of His people by transforming their very bodies and He will transform the earth itself. • This ultimate salvation will be both physical and spiritual. • There will be no sin within and no effect of sin without. There will be peace within our hearts and peace with all of our neighbours. There will be no struggle within or without.