God With Us (Advent 2020): Hope
“Hope is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a ‘pinch me I am dreaming ending’. Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.” Pastor/Author Max Lucado
A People of hope wait on God and a people of hope move with God.
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 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.
· “Nevertheless” is a powerful word; the pending promise overpowers the present circumstance.
· “Nevertheless” is a life-giving word; it signals there is way forward even in the face of dead end.
· “Nevertheless” is a second chance word; it acknowledges a loss without staying lost.
The “Nevertheless” Flip
1. Hope will replace Gloom.
There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.
1. Hope will replace Gloom.
2. Light will replace 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.
1. Hope will replace Gloom.
2. Light will replace Darkness.
3. Expansion will replace Reduction.
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.
1. Hope will replace Gloom.
2. Light will replace Darkness.
3. Expansion will replace Reduction.
4. Freedom will replace oppression.
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.
1. Hope will replace Gloom.
2. Light will replace Darkness.
3. Expansion will replace Reduction.
4. Freedom will replace oppression.
5. Resources will replace lack.
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 Catalyst, for the Nevertheless Promise
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 increase 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.
Why is Jesus’ offer to carry ignored?
· Ignorance - No context
· Arrogance – No need
· Short Sightedness – No situational awareness
Here is who is available to us in Christ.
· Wonderful Counselor
Wisdom is the ability to see behind, beneath, and beyond all of the current information available.
· Wonderful Counselor
· Mighty God
“God’s strong Hero!”
· Wonderful Counselor
· Mighty God
· Everlasting Father
Never ending Presence, Protection & Provision.
· Wonderful Counselor
· Mighty God
· Everlasting Father
· Prince of Peace
Prince of Shalom = Wholeness.
Isaiah’s description of our Savior covers...
· our need for insight and direction.
· our need for strength and resolve.
· our need for love and nurturing.
· our need for wholeness, peace and security.
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.
Recap:
· We have a Nevertheless Promise.
· We have a Messiah Presence.