Isaiah's Hope

Intro:

Do you know that after today, there are only 17 more shopping days left until Christmas? Some people panic when they hear this but I don't worry to much. Melissa is very good at finding things on sale throughout the year and saving it until Christmas... Doesn’t it seem like a lot of stores start their sales earlier each year? Instead of waiting until Thanksgiving to kick off Christmas now we’re hearing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” right after Halloween. We now have “Black Friday week” instead of just “Black Friday”. If this keeps up, Labor Day will launch the crush of the Christmas rush.

Against our culture’s call to consume the clutter of Christmas, stands the simple yet profound season of Advent. This word means “coming” and refers to the coronation of a King. Traditionally it’s been a time for prayer, penitence and preparation to help believers slow down enough to savor the Savior’s birth. I see Advent as a spiritual journey that helps us focus on the greatest gift of all so that we can worship the Word made flesh with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Special music and readings and candles and sermons will help us reflect and rejoice. As we experience the ancient/future dimension of this time of the year, it strikes me that one can never start too early when getting ready for something really big.

Every year, when we were serving at Faith Bible Church in White Cloud, Pastor Bob Ziebarth always had four candles that he would light (a new one per week) as a symbol of Advent. These four candles were, said by some, to represent the four centuries of waiting between Malachi and Matthew. The light from these candles were said to represent the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

The next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I would like to touch on these themes as well. I believe this will help create a sense of expectation so that we don’t just get caught up in the consumerism of our culture. For many of us this year, Christmas is going to look a little different than what we are used to. Whether it be due to Covid, changes due to family moving away, or an empty chair due to the loss of a loved one. Using wonderful reminders from Scripture, our aim is to keep the Christ of Christmas present in the midst of all the things that this past year has thrown at us. We want His beauty to shine bright in the busyness of our lives. And that can only happen when we slow down, take the time see it and get ready to celebrate something really big...

The first Advent Candle represents Hope. And that is exactly what I would like to look at this morning. Specifically “Isaiah's Hope” Meat:

Before we get to far into our passages today, I would like to make just a few points that will serve as an introduction to this book.

• Isaiah has been called the “fifth gospel” because it is filled with so much good news. • While the book is brimming with glory and good news, it also contains some gloom as well. This is summed up in Isaiah 60:2: “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.”

• Isaiah was written about 700 years before the time of Christ, a fact that should cause us to wonder and worship as we contemplate how specifically these prophecies were fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Isaiah is a great example that one can never start too early when getting ready for something really big.

• This book contains some of the most beautiful language ever written and was quoted by Jesus extensively. Since Isaiah was one of His favorite books, then we should consider what it has to say as well. Isaiah is called a “major” prophet for two reasons. First, his book is one of the longest and second his message is very meaty.

• Some have pointed out that the 66 chapters in Isaiah serve as a “miniature” Bible, since there are 66 books in the Bible. The first 39 chapters correspond to the “law” of the Old Testament; while the final 27 correspond to the “liberty” taught in the New Testament.

• Isaiah’s name means “Jehovah saves” and he ministered for more than fifty years during the reigns of four different kings. He was impacted when the northern kingdom of ten tribes, referred to as Israel, was destroyed and its inhabitants were led into captivity. Ministering in the south in the land of Judah during a time of cultural corruption (kind of sounds like our country today), part of his mission was to warn the people that the same thing would happen to them (destruction and captivity) unless they repent. His opening words begin with a complaint in Isaiah 1:4: “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt (or iniquity)…” and yet he continued to offer words of hope throughout the book.

Some scholars have described Isaiah as “Audacious”. The word “audacious” means to be bold and fearless. Isaiah is bold about his longing for something more. He dared to believe that something better was coming even though his culture was corrupt and everything around him seemed so dark. He had a longing for the Lord to somehow come down into his world to make sense out of all the nonsense, to bring peace to all the problems, to dispel the darkness and to eradicate evil. Isaiah is hungry to have the Holy One enter our whacked-out world in an extraordinary manner. My beloved, aren’t you glad that, 2000 years ago the Lord did come down and soon He will be returning again?

We are going to look at a few passages, rather quickly, this morning. I’m hoping that by doing this we’ll get a clear picture of what Christmas is all about in the mind of Isaiah… … because one can never start too early when getting ready for something really big... So lets get into God's Word!

1. A Sure Sign

Turn with me to Isaiah 7… When we come to chapter 7, an evil king named Ahaz is on the throne. He had deliberately disobeyed God and as a result his kingdom came under attack from all quarters. Look at verse 2. (Read) My Beloved, if you don’t know God when trouble comes, you too will be shaken to the very core of your being...

Instead of turning to the Lord, Ahaz begins to think about partnering with the evil empire of Assyria. At this crucial time, God in His great love and mercy toward the house of David, took the initiative and sent Isaiah the prophet to help King Ahaz. Isaiah points out in the latter part of verse 9 that “If you will not believe, Surely you shall not be established.” Or in other words “if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” The choice belonged to Ahaz. He could trust the Lord’s word or fall into the enemy’s hands… Look at Ahaz’s response… Read vv. 10-12

In verses 10 - 11 we read that he was supposed to ask for a sign that would help him believe. In verse 12 we see that Ahaz refused to ask for a sign.

This gets Isaiah all fired up in verse 13: (read 13… Then we come to this remarkable prophetic passage in verse 14) I want you to notice a few things:

(1) a. The Lord Himself will give the sign

This is very similar to what Abraham told his son Isaac back in Genesis when he said “God himself will provide the lamb.” Now, we have Isaiah saying that “ The Lord Himself will give the sign”

(1) b. The sign was given to all

The word “you” in this passage is plural, indicating that it was not just a sign to Ahaz but to everyone… The angel confirmed this fact in Luke 2:10: when he said “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” … What would this sign be???

(1) c. A Son born to a virgin

Isaiah uses the word “Behold”, ...“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son”… The Hebrew word that is translated as behold, is used to arrest attention, to indicate the importance of what is about to be said. This is no ordinary pregnancy and no ordinary birth. A virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. This would certainly stand out as a miraculous sign… … Isaiah goes on to tell Ahaz, the others in the room and anyone else who would later read these words in the Scripture, just who this Son would be...

(1) d. The Son would be God Incarnate

The name Immanuel means, “The strong God with us.” While this was not Jesus’ proper name, it was a name that belonged to Him as an attribute. This is who He is. From the point of this miraculous birth on, God would Himself be present among His people.

This verse is quoted in Matthew 1:22-23

Matthew 1:22–23 NKJV

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Did Ahaz understand all this? No. Was it fulfilled during his lifetime? No. It was a prophecy, focusing on the future, a sure sign, given to all people.

This leads to the Second area of Isaiah’s Hope

2. A Sent Son

Move forward a couple of chapters, to Chapter 9… Let’s quickly get our context of this passage. This original birth announcement was made in the midst of grief and gloom. Look at verse 1 (Read)… … Zebulun and Naphtali are tribes from the north of Israel, making up the land of Galilee. For many years the people in this region knew only grief because of the onslaught of enemies unleashed by the Almighty as a result of their sins. Because they lived closest to the bad guys they were the first ones attacked. Isaiah tells of a time in the future where gloom will be replaced with gladness in Galilee. Don’t miss the fact that the ministry of Jesus was grounded in Galilee.

Are you getting the picture here? Christmas was, and is, birthed in the midst of great grief. While the angels were proclaiming “peace on earth and good will toward men” Herod was preparing to annihilate infants;… while Mary was worshipping, other mothers were weeping for their children. Christmas joy is best understood with the junk of life all around us because gladness comes when we’re grieving. Is that where you are today? If so, That’s OK! Because that’s exactly where Immanuel will meet you.

I’ve mentioned the song, Maybe It’s ok, before, by we are messengers… the first verse, oh what a message…

“If I didn't know what it hurt like to be broken

Then how would I know what it feels like to be whole

If I didn't know what the cut's like to be rejected

Then I wouldn't know the joy of coming home”

This year has been tough on all of us, some of us more than others. But God has a plan for it all. Just like He had a plan for that very first Christmas...

Verse 2 of Isaiah 9 describes how the birth of Christ will bring brightness to a dark world: (Read v. 2) … … Referring to Himself, in John 8:12 Jesus said… “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Here in Isaiah 9:4 (read)… … the enemies of Israel had burdened the people with “bars across their shoulders.” When the light of life comes, the heavy yoke will be broken, shattered, taken away... Instead of wiping us out, Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” In the place of burdens, God wants to give us blessings.

The most precious blessing that He has ever given us was His Son, Jesus… Here is where we get to the familiar part of this passage… Look at v. 6 (read)…

As we get more into the Christmas season, I am sure that we will hear and sing these words several times over.

The phrase “for unto us” means “for us, for our benefit” and the emphasis is on the child. The baby was given for our benefit. This verse sets forth the indescribable uniqueness of Jesus. Notice that both His humanity and deity is described. We see attributes of God and characteristics of man.

“For unto us a child is born.” This describes his birth as a baby.

“unto us a Son is given.” Jesus is God’s Son given as a gift to us.

On top of that, the “government will be upon His shoulders.” This figuratively refers to the kingly robe to be worn by the Messiah. As King, He will be responsible to govern the nation. In Isaiah’s day Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. But the Messiah will govern properly. This sent Son, bundled in the straw holds the universe together. The one nestled on Mary’s shoulders, bears everything on His shoulders. He is redeemer and ruler of all… ... Part of the reason people become bored with the story of Christmas is because they only focus on the infant Jesus... He is far more than that as we see in the four titles Isaiah gives Him... The phrase, “and His Name will be called” means “He will justly bear this name…”

(2) a. “Wonderful Counselor” - He is Profound

(2) b. “Mighty God” - He is Powerful

(2) c. “Everlasting Father” - He is Personal

(2) d. “Prince of Peace” - He is Peaceful

It’s amazing to me that Isaiah not only knew that Immanuel would be born to a virgin as a sure sign; but he also understood that He would be the Sent Son of God.

Not only did Isaiah know how the Son would be born, but he also told of what family this Son would be born into… very briefly turn with me over to Isaiah 11 (read vv. 1-2)… In Isaiah’s day it felt hopeless because it seemed like the only thing left were stumps. The word translated as “stem” in v.1 literally means “a stump”... The northern kingdom had been destroyed and things were looking bleak for the southern kingdom as well… ... Do you ever feel that way? Have the stumps (or the hardships) in your life quenched your hope? I am sure that a lot of people have felt that way this year...

But what did v.1 say?? … “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem (or stump) of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” … Jesse is the father of King David and it’s through his line that the Savior will come into the world. Listen to the words of Luke 2:4 “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David”

Isaiah gives a sure sign, he points to the sent Son, he ties the Messiah to David’s throne, and finally, Isaiah had hope of

3. A Savior

Jesus came at Christmas so that by suffering and ultimately sacrificing Himself as our substitute, we can be saved from our sins. This purpose is stated from the very beginning of the Nativity account. Matthew 1:21 Says “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

There is an amazing amount of pinpoint prophecies in Isaiah 53 (turn there if you would). These prophecies describe the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross but, I want to read just three verses. As I do, think with me about what Jesus bought for us, not on black Friday, but on Good Friday. (read vv.3-5)

Listen Y’all, One can never start too early when getting ready for something really big. Isaiah was hopeful of all of this 700 years before Christ was born...

A man from China who was converted to Christ told this story: A man fell into a dark, slimy pit. He tried to climb out of the pit, but he couldn’t. Confucius came along, saw the man and said, “Poor fellow, had he listened to me, he never would have gotten there,” and he went on. Buddha came along and saw the man in the pit and said, “Poor fellow, if he’ll come up here, I’ll help him,” and he too kept on walking. Then Jesus Christ came along and said, “Poor fellow.” And then he jumped down into the pit and lifted him out.

Closing:

Jesus came to earth, why??? because that is where we are right now… If we lived on mars, then He would’ve met us there… Jesus meets us wherever we are, in whatever our current circumstance is… Isaiah 65:1-2

Isaiah 65:1–2 NASB95

“I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’ To a nation which did not call on My name. “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,

Isaiah’s promises about Christ give us hope and when they’re fulfilled in us they bring peace. But like a present, Jesus must be received. Are you ready right now to receive the Christ of Christmas? …

A woman was in the mall doing her Christmas shopping and was stressed out trying to find the perfect present for everyone on her list. Knowing that her credit cards were almost maxed out, she couldn’t wait for Christmas to be over. With her arms full of gifts she tried to get in a crowded elevator. As she squeezed in with the other weary shoppers she exclaimed, “Whoever came up with Christmas out to be strung up and killed!” Several around her shook their heads in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back a voice spoke up: “Don’t worry. They already did that to Him.”

My Beloved, let’s not miss the meaning behind Christmas this year. Isaiah had the hope of a Sure sign, a Sent Son, and the Hope of a Savior. It is all throughout the 66 chapters of his book, and in Chapter 1:18 he says… Isaiah 1:18

Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Now that’s something big… ... worth getting ready for.

Prayer: