Arrival of Hope

First Week of Advent: Hope

Kid’s Takeaway of the day: Hope in Jesus

Verse of the day:

Main idea of the day: God has made promises in the past which were fulfilled in Jesus, which gives us confidence to anchor our souls in hope to Jesus, and the present realities and future promises He gives.

1. Past Expectations

1.1 Expectation of everlasting Davidic Kingdom

Isaiah 9 is primarily a prophecy directed against the northern kingdom of Israel, not Judah. A new prophecy begins in the middle of Isaiah 9, specifically targeting the tribes of Israel, using various parallel names like Jacob, Israel, Ephraim, and Samaria to distinguish them from Judah1.

Isaiah speaks to the Hebrew people in Judah about the consequences of Israel’s sin. His main goal was to challenge Judah’s theology and prevent them from following Israel’s terrible example2. This prophecy of judgment is specifically against the northern kingdom and its capital city, Samaria, which had always been more godless and wicked than Judah3. The prophecy describes Ephraim’s (Israel’s) proud superiority, a sudden disaster defeating its statesmen, and rival factions undermining its strength4. God’s judgment will even include civil war, with tribes turning against each other, and His anger will continue to burn because of their refusal to repent3.

Interestingly, this prophecy serves a broader purpose beyond mere condemnation. Isaiah makes it clear that God’s punishment of Israel is not yet complete, and Judah is being given an opportunity to learn from Israel’s terrible mistakes2. The prophetic message is a stark warning about the consequences of pride, oppression, and turning away from God.

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.”

Isaiah 9:2 “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.”

Luke 2:25–35 “25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.””

2. Present Gifts

2.1 Presence of Hope

Romans 15:13 “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

a present reality that transforms our emotions and outlook through the Spirit's work in us.

2.2 Anchor of Hope

Hebrews 6:17–20 “17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 10:23–25 “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

3. Future Hopes

Forever lasting peace

The reign of King Jesus for all eternity future over heaven and earth which will be comprised of the new heavens and the new earth in which will dwell all believers from all time.

Block Quote

Bible Verse

Revelation 21:1–5 ESV

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Hebrews 10:24 teaches us to stir each other up to love and good works. How are you doing this at Grace? In What ways can you obey that teaching more faithfully?

How does our present hope give you the confidence to anchor your soul in Jesus?