Christmas with Compassion - Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, December 07
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
Highlight
Isaiah is an Old Testament prophet whose ministry begins in the midst of a brief calm and continues all through the Assyrian, Babylonian and Egyptian nations regaining power. This is important to keep in mind while reading Isaiah and specifically chapter nine. While we have the knowledge of knowing this is a Messianic prophecy and knowing the full story. The original audience only knew the calm and then destruction around them. They had an idea of the longing anticipation and hope of a future Messiah. But that hope can be hard to see when in the midst of pain.
Therefore, when Isaiah writes “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned” (v.2) He is reminding them to hold to hope (Yakhal and Qavah) that the Lord has been faithful and will be faithful. In fact, the Lord is sending someone who “...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.” (v.7). In the midst of the audience's upheaval, Isaiah is encouraging them to remember the character of God. He has been faithful to His people, and is sending a Messiah. Therefore, live in hope – Yakhal and Qavah – a constant state of expectant tension of what is to come.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
Highlight
Isaiah is an Old Testament prophet whose ministry begins in the midst of a brief calm and continues all through the Assyrian, Babylonian and Egyptian nations regaining power. This is important to keep in mind while reading Isaiah and specifically chapter nine. While we have the knowledge of knowing this is a Messianic prophecy and knowing the full story. The original audience only knew the calm and then destruction around them. They had an idea of the longing anticipation and hope of a future Messiah. But that hope can be hard to see when in the midst of pain.
Therefore, when Isaiah writes “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned” (v.2) He is reminding them to hold to hope (Yakhal and Qavah) that the Lord has been faithful and will be faithful. In fact, the Lord is sending someone who “...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.” (v.7). In the midst of the audience's upheaval, Isaiah is encouraging them to remember the character of God. He has been faithful to His people, and is sending a Messiah. Therefore, live in hope – Yakhal and Qavah – a constant state of expectant tension of what is to come.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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