READING: Isaiah 8-12
The people would not listen to the prophet, instead choosing to live in wandering, dejection, affliction, and darkness. But . . . God would step up in His time when He would send the Messiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness” (Isa 9:2). Those who remained faithful—that is, the remnant who held tightly to their beliefs and their faith—would find hope in the assurance that light would eventually drive out the darkness. That day would bring great celebration, joy, and freedom. The One whose name would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6) would make all the difference in the world.
So it is for us, too. When we were living in darkness, God chose in grace to shine the light of the gospel into our lives. Now, no matter how dark the world gets, we have the light of Christ in us. We have the assurance of hope that non-believers cannot have.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you have this hope in your life?
PRAYER: “God, grant me grace and faith to live in hope.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 13-19
