Freedom All Lit Up: Freedom Found in a Person

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Isaiah 9:1-7
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali (Israel), but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—(This is the region where Jesus was born) 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The Promise: Nevertheless 

Nevertheless dismisses the idea that a past action has negated a future plan. Nevertheless is a powerful word. It is a word that breathes new life into someone and elicits a sigh of relief. It is a second chance word. 

The Promise of Jesus…

1. Replaces gloom for hope. 

There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. 

2. Replaces light for darkness. 

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

3. Replaces reduction with expansion. 

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 

4. Replaces oppression for freedom. 

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 

5. Replaces opposition for assistance. 

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 

The Provision for the Promise

Verse 6
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. 

When we go our own way, in our own time it always has to be in our own resources. 

• Sometimes we do this out of ignorance - No one had ever told us about Jesus in this way before. 

• Sometimes we do this out of arrogance – I don’t need anyone. 

• Sometimes we do it out of defiance – No one is going to tell me what to do.

• Sometimes we do it out of neglect – We just forget.

Jesus’ Resume

Wonderful Counselor - Wisdom is the ability to see behind, beneath, and beyond all of the current information available. 

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Mighty God - “God’s strong Hero!” 

Everlasting Father - Provision & Protection. 

Prince of Peace - The Ruler of Peace. 

The Power for the Promise and Provision

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

God is self-motivated to source to secure our freedom and give us hope.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

John 3:17
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Let’s recap:

• God’s Promise… Nevertheless. 

• God’s Provision… His Son. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace

• God Power… His Love is Self-Motivated.