The Light in Darkness - 1
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Introduction
County Foster Care Meeting
Judge over the juvenile court
Young juveniles in custody are asked to draw a picture.
Almost all draw nothing but black on the paper.
Over 80% of juveniles seen in the court have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Darkness signifies hopelessness, concealment of bad things, sin, and despair.
What would you draw on your canvass today?
Through their sin and an unwillingness to trust in God, the nation of Israel ceased to exist (as a independent nation, political governance).
Many of the people were removed from their homes an driven to exile in Babylon.
The people are faced with a choice: remain in despair or rise in faith.
In a prophet message found in the Old Testament of Scripture, God speaks and declares a way out despair and a way forward through faith.
Text: Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV)
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Zebulun and Naphtali (tribes) were the first part of Israel to be conquered by Assyria.
But in the midst of no hope, God makes a promise: “the people who waked in darkness have seen a great light!”
So certain of this promise, it is written as if it had already happened.
How will this prophetic message become a reality?
It will be accomplished through the Messiah—the anointed sent one from God.
Text: Isaiah 9:6-7
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.
7 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.
The fulfillment of this prophetic message would ultimately happen through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The light invading the darkness is assured because of the King and his rule.
Child (human decent but given of the Lord)
Son (his dignity in the royal line of David)
Upon his shoulders (accepts the burden to rule)
He will be called (name sums up character)
How does Jesus fulfill his rule and reign?
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Wonderful Counselor
Wonderful Counselor
What does it mean for Christ to be described as a wonderful counselor?
Wonderful Counselor describes the “perfection of this King seen by his qualifications for ruling.
What then comes to mind when thinking about “wonderful counselor?”
“The Hebrew word pala [‘Wonderful’] indicates ‘something uncommon or out of the ordinary.’ It reflects ‘a phenomenon lying outside the realm of human explanation; that which is separated from the normal course of events; something that cannot be explained.’ And that is our Almighty and inexplicable Jesus!
The second part of this compound description of the coming Messiah is Counselor. In its historical Hebrew usage, the word is used to picture a king giving counsel to his people.Knowledge
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.
29 This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
How did Jesus demonstrate His wonderful counsel?
Nicodemus (John 3)
Woman at the well (John 4)
Peter at the sea shore (John 21)
How does Jesus serve as our counselor today?
Jesus has given the perfect example through his life on how to live our life.
Jesus gives strength for action.
Jesus guides us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Jesus is the light of the world—and turns the darkness of despair to the light of faith and hope.
Through his wise and wonderful counsel, we can live a life filled with hope, assurance, and courage.
His wisdom illuminates his presence and our destiny.
In the Christmas story, in the pastures of Bethlehem, Angels appeared in front of shepherds.
Text: Luke 2:10-11
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
As Jesus grew into adulthood, and as he began his earthly ministry, he said:
Text: John 8:12
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”