IV.
This passage ends with – “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

The New Living Translation has it this way, “The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

Do you think it would be going too far to say that Isaiah has a “passionate” trust in a “passionate” God whose covenant holds true over time?

As you read again our passage for this week, notice the ways this “passionate commitment of the Lord” touches the people.

V.
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV) 

The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

VI.

We read (and hear) words here that we often recall in this season of Advent and Christmas – 

For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What “zeal” and “passion” does that call forth from you?

Does the birth of this child into our midst, into our lives, give you cause for “passionate commitment” or does this season with all its trappings wear you down and drain you of passion?

Take stock today.  

What is your level of “passionate commitment” to this child, and to this God who brings light into darkness?

charles

{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}