II Chronicles 27 and Isaiah 9 – 12
II Chronicles 27 gives us the account of the reign of Jotham (Judah), the son of Uzziah (Judah) who reigned for 16 years after his father died. He was a good king, doing what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and did not follow the example of his father by burning incense in the Temple of the Lord. Unfortunately, although he was agoood king, “the people continued in their corrupt ways. When he died, his son Ahaz (Judah) took his place.
In the previous chapter of Isaiah, the Lord warns about the coming invasion by Assyria and the trouble this will bring. In chapter 9, we see the mercy of God: a promise that “that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.” We hear the words fulfilled in Mattherw 4:16:
“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great life. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
And then, thiose wonderful words about our Savior:
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.”
In the meantime, however, the Lord’s judgment will be on Israel and Judah since they will not repent. Isaiah 11 gives us further promise and a description of a “a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” This reference to Jesus includes the promise that the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him.
We also see the promise that the Lord will bring back the remnant of his people. We are given a picture of the people singing about the Lord saving them, that “the Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Most interesting to me is the reference to “the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.” Wow!
Tomorrow, we’ll be reading Micah.
Don’t Honk at Old People
This is a short, but really funny video you will probably watch more than once:
http://dave6.posterous.com/dont-honk-at-old-people
Until Next Time…
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