Year 8, Day 359: Isaiah 9

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Isaiah 9 is a chapter of great contrast.  We are told of hope in the first half, an incredibly familiar passage to people who worship God during this season of Christmas especially.  We are told of destruction and rejection in the second half of the chapter, a chapter specifically aimed at the northern kingdom of Israel.  Two contrasting images from God’s people: one filled with hope and another filled with darkness.

In the section with hope, focus in on how much depends on the Lord.  God multiplied the nation and filled it with joy.  God has broken the staff of the oppressor when they have come upon Judah.  It is the zeal of the Lord that will bring about His leadership and rule.  True hope and true light come from God above.

On the other hand, we have the rejection of the northern kingdom.  God no longer takes joy in them.  Why are they rejected?  They have a proud and arrogant heart, for starters.  They did not turn to the Lord when they were oppressed.  No matter what God did to them to get their attention, they sought for hope elsewhere.  They are foolish, godless, and workers of evil.  They fight amongst themselves and are only united when they have a greater common enemy.

What is God’s point in all of this contrast?  It isn’t like the people of Judah were better than the people of Israel.  They all were full of sin and rebellion.  The difference is that the people of Judah could be turned and reminded about God.  The people of Israel would have none of it.  The people weren’t better, but their hearts could be turned.

What a wonderful reminder on this day of the Lord.  As a day where people are remembering that the Lord sent His savior into the world, what is the status of my heart?  Am I willing to turn back to the Lord and remember?  Or am I focused on my own selfishness that I don’t really care?  Will the Lord receive my repentance or will He no longer take joy in me because I don’t even desire to repent.

The correct choice seems clear.  We don’t need a hard heart.  We need a heart that is capable of being turned.  We need a heart that recognizes our need for a savior.

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