TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Central to this reading from the book of Isaiah is the prophecy of the One to come: the “child born for us” who "will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). At the same time, though, these chapters point out the arrogance of God’s people who do not respond even to God’s judgment. Watch the pattern of portions of chapters 9-10:
Even after judgment at the hands of a foreign enemy, God’s people thought they could rebuild without the help of God. God raised up other enemies, but still “In all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike” (Isa. 9:12).
Yet again, the people did not return to Him. Their leaders misled them and brought on the nation divine anger. Still, “In all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike” (Isa. 9:17).
The people remained disobedient, greedily turning on each other. Still, “In all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike” (Isa. 9:21).
Nevertheless, the people enacted crooked laws, oppressed the poor, and ignored justice. Still, “In all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike” (Isa. 10:4).
It is hard to read these repeating texts and not see God’s unrelenting anger toward our sin. Likewise, it’s hard not to see the hardness of the human heart — so filled with pride that we even ignore the reality of judgment.
At the same time, though, it should be difficult to read these texts and not rejoice in the coming of Christ. As we will later hear in Isaiah, He became the One who was pierced because of our transgressions and crushed because of our iniquities. That’s really good news.
PRAYER: Think about the depth of God’s grace today. Thank Him that although we deserve His wrath, Jesus bore that wrath for us.
TOMORROW’S READING: Micah 1-7