The Arrival of Hope
Arrival. That's the name of our series. And that's the event. We celebrate during Advent, the arrival of King, Jesus, and with him, The hope of a worry, a weary World in weight. I wanted to still do this message, even though we missed church because it's an important part of this series.
As we look to Christmas and the annual celebration of Jesus's arrival on Earth, We're reminded of the hope we have in him. And because of him, the birth of Jesus, among other things was prophesied about long before his eventual arrival for many. These prophesy defense gave them great hope in the midst of their suffering and pain. Today, as we begin, our Advent journey together. We to remember that. We have all the reason in the world to be filled with hope because of Christ. Helped frame. That hope we're going to look at Isaiah 9:6. A key scripture that prophesied, the birth of Jesus and presents him as a source of Future, Hope For Humanity. Isaiah 9:6. 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, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father, Prince of Peace.
The anticipation and excitement.
Of the Jewish people regarding the coming of the Messiah is deeply rooted, in their religious, and historical beliefs, particularly in the context of Judaism. It's important to understand that the concept of the Messiah. In the associated hopes varied across different periods in Jewish history, and among different Jewish communities. Historically, speaking, the Jewish people have faced various forms of Oppression and persecution in frustration throughout the centuries. the Jewish face faith as documented in the Hebrew Bible, which is our Old Testament contains Prophecies of promises regarding the future Messiah, like Isaiah 9:6, This Messiah was expected to be a Divine figure, who would deliver the Jewish people from their suffering, re-establish their nation and bring about a. Of peace and prosperity. Because of this belief or hope. There were heavy expectations placed on the coming Messiah. Different interpretations and expectations of the Messiah influence. By prophetic, writings religious teachings and oral traditions.
Some anticipated, a military leader, who would overthrow oppressors While others expected a spiritual leader focused on religious and moral transformation. The religious and spiritual significance of the Messiah as a central figure. In Jewish end times thinking also fueled that excitement.
The Messiah was seen as a film Act of divine promises, in a manifestation of God's intervention in human.
The Messiah represented the hope for a future where the Jewish people would be redeemed restored to their Homeland and return to a time of peace and prosperity. This Messianic believe provided hope and Solace during difficult times fostering images of a better future and a deep desire for Liberation from oppression and suffering. Different Interruption interpretations of the messiah's roll and timing varied among Jewish communities. The common theme was the anticipation of a figure who would bring about a significant transformation in their lives in society. It's against this historical backdrop. That we begin to understand what a verse like Isaiah 96. May mean to the Jewish people and how we can continue to find Hope in the promises of God. As we read the same verse today, Important, part of that, is naming our hope.
Isaiah 9:6, bestowed, several titles on to the Future Messiah. He's our titles. We still ascribe to Jesus today, at ways, in which we understand his role in both the world and our individual lives. So let's take a look at each to those now. The first one, Is wonderful, counselor.
And the original Hebrew, wonderful counselor. Can be understood as miraculous advisor or extraordinary strategist. It speaks of Jesus's wisdom and guidance bringing Supernatural insight and counsel to those who follow him. Jesus seen as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance, providing unparalleled advice and direction to those who seek him.
Mighty God and play strength, power and sovereignty technologist. Jesus as Divine, possessing, the power and authority that belong to God. Jesus is recognized as not just a man or a profit But as God incarnate displaying Divine strength and might
Everlasting father, this title emphasizes, Jesus is eternal and paternal care for his followers. It does not imply, that Jesus is God, the father, but rather that he possesses qualities of a caring and nurturing father. Jesus is portrayed as having a Timeless and enduring love for his people. Providing protection, sustenance and love that will last forever.
Prince of Peace signifies Jesus, as the one who brings peace, Harmony and Reconciliation between God and Humanity as well as among people. Jesus is heralded as the source of true peace, both within individuals and in the world offering peace with God through salvation and promoting peace and unity among people. It's hard to imagine what these promised titles would have meant to the original recipients of Isaiah's writings. As we look back, we can appreciate the hope that would have been instilled in reading, these name, hope and anticipation of a wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father and the prince of peace. Compared to the rulers of their day. The ones who were oppressing them. These titles would be a welcome list of attributes for future leadership. And that brings us back to the most amazing truth of this prophetic hope. It all came to pass more than 2000 years ago. In Bethlehem would Jesus was born in the ride as the Messiah He brought the kingdom and the promise with him.
The reign of the Messiah in the realization of Hope. In Isaiah, 9:6 reread the phrase, the government will be on his shoulders. Which is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes the authority rule in Dominion that will rest upon the promised Messiah. The phrase uses the image of carrying a burden on one shoulders to convey, the idea of bearing, the weight of governance authority responsibility. The Messiah Will Rule and govern as a righteous and just leader.
In a manner that aligns with God's will. Today, we trust that this prophetic description is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah who carries the burden to the world will just lie. That's Altima 213, provides salvation. Grace and guidance to those who follow him, He is a filament of the promise in Isaiah 9:6.
He is the reason of a weary World rejoices.
In Christ Christ, mom.
Is the one in which we place our immediate and eternal hope. We live our lives accordingly, as we follow him, and share the good news of his arrival and rain with others.
This is our call to share the good news of Jesus is to spread the message of Hope. Peace, Joy, love and forgiveness.
Especially this time of year. The holidays can be chaotic stressful in for some people downright painful as the memories of years past come flooding back.
Take some time this coming week to check in with your family, your neighbors, your friends, pray for them and encourage them. Spread them on to love and good deeds. And if possible, remind them that our hope is not in the perfect gift for the perfect party or get together or the Christmas bonus that we might get from work. Our hope is in the one who came to restore, renew and set all things right again. He is the wonderful counselor, the mighty king, the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the reason for the season. Let's pray.
Lord, your arrival changed, everything. Thank you for coming to restore renew and said all things right again. The fellows with hope with your hope this holiday season. And give us the courage to share your hope with us. Are we pray this? All on your most holy name? Amen. For Benediction I leave you with Romans 15:13 says may the god of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. God bless you. Have a great week.
