Immanuel

Isaiah

As I read through these prophecies of destruction, I am reminded of the promises of blessing and cursing in Deuteronomy 28.  It was very clearly stated that the people of Israel would be punished for disobedience. 

Yet, in the midst of prophecy of destruction of Israel and Judah, God gave several powerful statements of hope for ultimate reconciliation.

7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

9:6 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.

11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the hope of redemption and healing that we have in Him.  Thank you for saving us from the destruction that we deserve because of our sin.  God, thank you for your kindness, mercy, and grace.  Please help me show your loving kindness to others today.  I love you, and I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.