Christ is the Difference...

I don't know about you, but I don't know near enough about the book of Isaiah.  Several days ago I was seeking God's guidance about where I needed to turn next in my personal Bible reading/study.  For some reason, maybe it is because I don't know enough about it, God directed me to the book of Isaiah.  It has been challenging thus far.

My readings for today had me in Isaiah 8, 9, & 10.  I want to highlight something God revealed (not in a prophetic way) to me today.  If you have a chance, take minute and read over chapter 9. 

All done?  Great.  Here are my thoughts.

I know enough about the book of Isaiah to know that God's people were in some serious trouble with Jehovah.  God had given them chance after chance to turn their hearts back to Him.  However, much like you and I, they didn't listen.  Looking at chapter 8 of Isaiah, God uses Isaiah to warn them of the coming judgment by the Assyrians.  He also, in chapter 8, warns Isaiah not to become like all the other people.  Then, beginning in chapter 9, God gives us some prophetic words regarding the future that we all are probably failure with. 

He tells them in Isaiah 9:1 that this coming judgment isn't going to be like "the gloom of the distressed land...of the former times (HCSB)."  This time of destruction is going to be different than anything that has happened before.

Beginning in verse 2 Isaiah lays it all out for us.

1. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
2. On those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.
3. The nation has been enlarged and increased its joy.
4. The people are now rejoicing before You
5. God has shattered their burdensome yoke and the rod on their shoulders, and the staff of the oppressors (Assyria)

The logical question is, "How is this going to happen?"  I am glad I asked because in verses 6-7 of chapter 9, Isaiah gives us the answer.

"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 HOSTS WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS."--Isaiah 9:6-7 (HCSB)

CHRIST IS THE DIFFERENCE!!!!!  Oh, that Christ would be the difference in your life and my life.  I want to challenge you to live in the light of this today!!!