December 11 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

This passage of Scripture describes the dawn of the kingdom of the Messiah. It's one of the most gripping prophecies of all, and it never fails to lift our spirits.

The prophecy of Isaiah 9 is introduced by statements about times that appear to be much like ours: truth is scarce (8:16-18), superstition abounds (8:19-20), and gloom is about to descend (8:21-9:1).

And then light bursts onto the anguished scene: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (v. 2). There are strains of irresistible joy "as people rejoice at the harvest." Tyranny is ended and the "rod of their oppressor" is broken. Not only are the enemies overthrown, not only is the battle decided in the people's favor, the very weapons of war are destroyed in a blaze of fire (v. 5).

Then follows the cause of this blessed revolution: "For to us a child is born... ." The birth of a child is always a miracle. But now the child who is the Son of the living God has come. He becomes the ruler, and a new era begins: "The government will be on his shoulders ... and of peace there will be no end."

The names declare who this Son of God is and what he does. Wonderful Counselor tells how he delivers people from stupidity. He liberates them from error and makes them wise to walk in the ways of God.

Mighty God announces that he is not bound by our dismal limitations. He will do his mighty and perfect work in the world of our failures.

Everlasting Father proclaims that he is wise and loving. On his arms all weary children will rest. He will comfort them in their hardship and pain.

Prince of Peace tells us that he brings the everlasting kingdom to this world. "Prince Shalom" is his name. Peace and justice will mark the country. And life will finally be what God intended it to be.

"The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this" (v. 7).

REFLECTIONS

How do these wonderful titles of Jesus speak to your needs today?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.