Midweek Moment: November 11, 2020
This week, I’m reflecting upon the words of the prophet Isaiah which will be read by churches around the world in the coming weeks of Advent:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
– Isaiah 9:6-7
For those of us who are familiar with them, it can be easy to see these verses as encouraging, and positive, but perhaps ultimately powerless – making little or no difference to our lives. And yet, in a time of turbulence in culture they are, I believe, exactly what we need.
This time in our world has revealed so much. Perhaps most especially it has shown us the many and various things that we run to as “functional-saviors”: events, causes, possessions, roles or people through which we find our sense of peace and security.
As I’ve found myself feeling either extremely jubilant or deeply grieving at different times in recent weeks, I’ve asked myself what this might show me. Could it be that a (potentially) good thing has become an ultimate thing for me? Could I be deriving more security and inner peace from this person, cultural event or asset than I do from being in Christ? These questions have been challenging at times, but ultimately have grown my trust in the finished work of Jesus in His death and resurrection for my sense of wellbeing.
My prayer in this coming season, no matter what is happening for us and in our world, is that the words of Isaiah would ring loud and clear in our minds and hearts: Ultimately and eternally the government is on His shoulders, there is no end to the increase of His peace, and He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father & Prince of Peace.
– Andy