Here is our fourth layer, God’s gift comes wrapped in freedom from oppression and war (Isaiah 9:4-5)When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death God intends to comfort us with the rod of his strength and faithfulness.
Verses 4&5 are meant to remind God’s people of his faithfulness; remember who He is and what he has done.
Remember Egypt; the yoke of forced physical labor was broken so the people could go and worship.
The staff laid across the shoulder of those in captivity, the staff of an oppressive government, has been broken.
The rod of senseless undeserved pain dealt out through the hand of ruthless men has been shattered.
How? How did it happen then? How will it happen now? It will happen now like it happened in the day of Midian.
We are meant to remember Gideon and his tiny army of men with trumpets and torches.
God said in Judges 7:2, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved.
Christmas is meant to be a reminder that it is only God can provide. He kept Adam and Eve alive. He kept Noah through the flood. He kept Jacob and his sons through the famine. He kept his people through the slavery and infanticide of Egypt.
God sustained his people in the desert. He fought for them in Canaan. He kills the giants, gives the riches to build the temple. God brings peace.
When his people rebelled he protected them and then brought them back from their captivity.
God is the warrior and provider of his people. Burn every boot that has been used in battle; we don’t need it. Every garment bloody from battle is good for nothing but fuel; we don’t need those any more.
God is our redeemer and with his gift comes freedom from slavery and oppression.
Praise him. We are multiplied, we have been given joy, and our gladness overflows.
All of these good things of verses 1 through 5 are meant to point us to the best thing of verse 6.
In verse 6 we come to the highlight. The wrapping paper of no gloom, great light, increasing joy, restoration, and freedom has been removed.
Do we realize that such amazing things are just by-products with God? If you get Jesus you get the rest. If you seek him first all these others will be added to you.
(Christmas Countdown 2 days)
Glorious Father, I ask You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that whatever we do or say, will be as a true representative of the Lord Jesus, and together we will give thanks through Him to You Most High God. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors of good will here on earth. Amen
~Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland
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