“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)
This famous prophecy is often used at Christmas to refer to Christ’s birth. However, it is not a holiday prophecy. Rather, Isaiah has prophesied that darkness of unbelief and error will cover Israel from the 8th century BC (chapter 8). But he could not allow even the unbelievers to live in despair and apostasy without hope of deliverance. By the Spirit of God, Isaiah sees the light on the other side of the darkness.
This great prophet sees past the gloom and anguish of the present circumstances. By faith, he beholds the light as though it had already shined on those who were previously held captive by the darkness. The strong implication is that only The Creator can transform the people bound in darkness. He hints that the presence of the Lord emits this light creating increased growth and harvest joy. And why wouldn’t they shout for gladness? The burden and oppression of darkness is gone and they are free!
Note verse 5. The imagery is of warriors who fought against an alien power while being held captive by it. Conquest has occurred. The light liberates the captive warriors. This is their victory but not their battlefield. They did not wrestle the enemy into submission. Rather, they are enjoying the victory only after the light has defeated their enemy. The war is over, peace reigns, and every piece of war-infested clothing is destroyed.
This victorious light results from the birth of the son-child. He delivers their shoulders from the burden of darkness and his shoulders receive the burden of government. But the only security against the defeated enemy is that his kingdom is eternal.
Those held in darkness would ask, “Is it really possible? Will it ever be?” The response of the prophet resounds across the centuries of time. “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” And he did.
Dear Father, thank you for defeating the darkness and giving us light. We praise you for your zeal towards us. Empower us to experience and exhibit the same quality of zeal for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Son and live to glorify him,
Pastor Smith