Read | Isaiah 9:1–7
Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before you
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
For you have shattered their oppressive yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor,
just as you did on the day of Midian.
For every trampling boot of battle
and the bloodied garments of war
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
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.
The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this.
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Repentance is not only turning from darkness, but turning toward the light of God’s promised king. What patterns of sin, fear, or unbelief do you need to leave behind as you come back into his light?
This passage announces joy, freedom, and peace through the coming Messiah. Where have you looked for peace and rescue instead of Jesus?
Focus
Take one concrete step of repentance today by turning from one pattern of darkness toward one practice of light. Do not only ask of yourself, “What should I stop?” but also, “What should I start?”
Pray
Pray that God would lead you out of darkness and into the liberating light of Christ. Ask for grace not merely to hate sin, but to love the way of Jesus more.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
