Today’s Reading, Isaiah 9-12
Focal Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Getting to look into the future would be a cool gift to have. If this were possible you could avoid mistakes and even know what to prepare for in your life. It could help keep your children from undue pain and anguish. It would even be able to help you finically as you get to avoid or prepare for economic situations. The unfortunate part of being able to do that is that you would not grow as a person. You would miss learning and experiences to make you better.
In today’s reading we are reminded that we don’t have to have the ability to look into the future because scripture already does that for us on a monumental scale. The focal verse today is not just about someone bringing peace after the judgements that will happen to Israel. It is about the birth of the prince of peace. The future birth of the Messiah. The one who would deliver the Jewish people but also save the world. He would fulfill the three fold office of prophet, priest, and king. He will rule perfectly and have the governments on his shoulders. He will be exactly as these verses foretold.
The challenge I have for you today is to believe what the Bible teaches. It has so many future events described and listed. If you are not careful it can become confusing and overwhelming. It can even distract you from what is most important. I get asked often “Why do you make Bible reading so important?” It is a priority because if I know the scriptures I know what to expect. I can see scripture fulfilled and find encouragement in the promises taking place.
This is what I want you to get out of todays reading. That you can trust scripture. Know that when the Lord speaks he will honor and do what he says. This includes the Messiah and it even includes promises to us as well. For instance, he will forgive our sins. He will send us a counselor. He will come again and bring us to heaven. He will defeat our enemies. God will answer our prayers. The list goes on for a long time.
I am not sure where you are today in your journey, but know this truth. You can trust the Lord to fulfill his word. Just like this verse speaks about the Messiah and it came to pass. We can have confidence he will fulfill the rest of scripture. Take heart and believe that he always fulfills the scriptures.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Isaiah 13-17
