June 14 I Tuesday

Ezra 9-10

Acts 1

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”   —Isaiah 9:2

The prophet Isaiah prophesies in the opening verse of this devotion about the future and the coming great light—Jesus—in the darkness. Isaiah goes on to describe the outcome of this kingdom of light. “You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor” (Isaiah 9:3-4). In other words, those who have experienced this light dawning have increasing joy and decreasing oppression. 

       Isaiah continues, “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire” 
(Isaiah 9:5). In other words, every tribal and national conflict that has spilled the blood of humanity will be destined for destruction. The ways of man that are driven by greed and darkness will become fuel for the fire. Isaiah’s prophecy indicates that this is going to be a different kind of kingdom, one that brings healing, freedom, forgiveness and release from oppression. 

       How will this be accomplished? Isaiah answeres, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Not a fierce warrior or a conquering king, but a Child is sent; a Son is given to humanity, unlike any other human being who has ever walked the planet.

       When we think of a Son being sent into the world, we may recall John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” God, in His love, sent His One and only Son to rescue us from the kingdom of darkness. Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus is the Son, the Child who came to liberate His people and deliver them from the true enemy that has bound humanity. He lived the perfect life that we could not live, died on the cross on behalf of our sins and through His resurrection brought eternal life for everyone who believes in Him.

       This is good news for all of us. With whom can we share this message of healing, freedom, forgiveness and release from oppression today?

Prayer: Lord Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to reconcile my relationship with You. Words cannot fully express the healing, freedom, forgiveness and release from oppression that I have received from You.