Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah, the prophet of The LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Isaiah 1:9) lived 700 years before Christ was born, and spent his ministry warning Israel and Judah about their sins and God’s judgment, calling them to repent. The powerful Assyrian army was advancing.

From Isaiah 1: 10, 15-20. Sounds like he could be talking to us today.

¹⁰ Listen to the Lord, you leaders of “Sodom.” Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.”

¹⁵ When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.

¹⁶ Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.

¹⁷ Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

¹⁸ “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

¹⁹ If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.

²⁰ But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (New Living Testament)

But that’s not the end of it. Later on, Isaiah writes a passage that has become one of the most beautiful songs of all times. Handel’s Messiah. Isaiah 9: 2 & 6-7 foretells the coming of the Christ child. Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

²  The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

⁶ For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

⁷ His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (New Living Testament)

  

Isaiah began warning the people of Israel and Judah about their destruction because of God's judgment against them, but then he tells of the Assyrian’s destruction and God’s divine plan. God's plan isn't just for Israel and Judah -- not just for His chosen people, but for the entire world. For me. And that is why I celebrate Advent.

Here is a You Tube of part of Handel's Messiah for your listening inspiration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN5BaOGTmGs