WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.339 And if you all would open up your Bibles to the book of Isaiah, which is in the Old Testament, 00:00:08.439 --> 00:00:13.380 basically if you open up your Bible halfway, you probably are in the Psalms, just go right 00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:16.440 a little bit, and you'll stumble across Isaiah. 00:00:23.620 --> 00:00:28.420 I'm not a professional singer, so with what I'm about to do, be warned. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.480 And join in. 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:41.019 It's the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling 00:00:41.019 --> 00:00:42.219 you be of good cheer. 00:00:42.500 --> 00:00:43.019 It's the what? 00:00:48.840 --> 00:00:51.019 It's the most wonderful time of the year. 00:00:51.060 --> 00:00:56.600 I've been listening to 95.7 and 93.9 in my car. 00:00:56.600 --> 00:01:01.640 I go back and forth listening to these classic Christmas songs. 00:01:03.160 --> 00:01:06.659 It's the most wonderful time of the year is a classic. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:09.340 And I tend to agree. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:15.460 Christmas time is one of the most wonderful times of the year. 00:01:15.520 --> 00:01:19.319 Now, you may be sitting in your seat and you're thinking, well, I take issue with that. 00:01:19.400 --> 00:01:24.060 I think maybe Good Friday, Easter's way up there in terms of the most wonderful times of the year. 00:01:24.060 --> 00:01:24.939 You're a point well taken. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:28.000 Let me ask you this. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:30.719 What makes Christmas time so wonderful? 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:34.500 Is it the jingle bells? 00:01:36.960 --> 00:01:40.020 Is it the lights? 00:01:40.019 --> 00:01:43.799 Is it the eggnog? 00:01:46.359 --> 00:01:47.979 Is it the Christmas cookies? 00:01:49.699 --> 00:01:50.799 All those gifts. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:53.079 Maybe it's the time off. 00:01:53.640 --> 00:01:54.739 Gathering with your family. 00:01:55.780 --> 00:01:56.899 Those classic movies. 00:01:56.900 --> 00:02:01.920 It is a small W wonderful time of year. 00:02:03.160 --> 00:02:07.700 But it's not the wonder of this time of year. 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:15.980 The first Christmas ushered in the most wonderful time of all. 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:24.540 Because when Jesus was born, God's light of salvation began to shine in our darkness. 00:02:24.539 --> 00:02:31.859 That is what makes Christmas so wonderful. 00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:36.680 This morning, we're going to go back to Isaiah chapter 9. 00:02:36.759 --> 00:02:41.139 We're going to take a break out of the book of Revelation where we've been at for the last few months. 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:48.780 And I want to help you see the hope-giving significance of those first seven verses of Isaiah 9. 00:02:48.859 --> 00:02:50.879 It's what Danielle just read so beautifully. 00:02:50.879 --> 00:03:00.740 The first thing I want you to see in this sermon is that all of us, all of us have been thrust into thick darkness. 00:03:02.099 --> 00:03:03.400 That's our gloom. 00:03:04.620 --> 00:03:09.780 But understanding our gloom, God is going to turn our gloom into glory. 00:03:10.979 --> 00:03:16.900 God is shining his great light into the darkness today. 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:22.599 And his great light is the person of Jesus Christ. 00:03:23.640 --> 00:03:27.800 We're going to move from our gloom to our brilliant hope. 00:03:28.819 --> 00:03:29.360 Jesus. 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:36.379 And when we get to that latter section of the sermon, we're going to be walking through Isaiah 9, 1 through 7. 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:41.580 I'm going to highlight one particular brilliant dimension of King Jesus. 00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:46.020 It's in the form of a title, Wonderful Counselor. 00:03:47.660 --> 00:03:59.700 The birth of Jesus Christ is God starting to shine his saving light into the deep darkness of our sin and his judgment. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.400 So with that, let's turn to the book of Isaiah. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:12.580 We have all been thrust into deep darkness. 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:14.360 Our gloom. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.420 If you're in the book of Isaiah 9, chapter 9 right now. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:20.160 Chapter 9, verse 1, we read, 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:21.800 But there will be no gloom. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:23.800 Wait, there was gloom? 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:27.480 There will be no gloom for her who is in anguish. 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:28.639 Wait, anguish? 00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:30.740 Look at verse 2. 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:34.939 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 00:04:35.019 --> 00:04:40.459 Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:40.879 What? 00:04:41.779 --> 00:04:45.139 What is this darkness that Isaiah is talking about? 00:04:46.279 --> 00:04:51.240 Because if you look back to chapter 8, verse 22, the last verse of chapter 8, we read this. 00:04:51.240 --> 00:05:02.199 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish, and they will be thrust into thick darkness. 00:05:03.460 --> 00:05:06.379 What is this darkness? 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:17.959 Well, one way to say it is if you look at chapter 8, verse 17, we hear Isaiah say, 00:05:18.100 --> 00:05:26.540 I will wait for the Lord who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. 00:05:29.360 --> 00:05:30.399 That's the darkness. 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:34.800 God hiding his face. 00:05:36.379 --> 00:05:42.439 And when God's face is not shining, there is darkness on a people. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:51.219 Now, I want to remind you that Isaiah was written to a particular people at a particular time in a particular place. 00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:55.759 It was actually written in the 8th century before Christ. 00:05:55.959 --> 00:06:02.399 And the section that we're looking at this morning was probably happened in the 730s, somewhere in there. 00:06:02.399 --> 00:06:10.139 And just to remind you that the nation of Israel used to be one people, a united kingdom. 00:06:11.139 --> 00:06:19.759 And then David ruled and Solomon ruled and then one of Solomon's sons, Rehoboam, he did something really stupid in the kingdom split in two. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:27.399 There was a northern kingdom and then there was a southern kingdom, Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:31.359 And on the throne of Jerusalem sat a king of David. 00:06:32.859 --> 00:06:42.299 And what is happening at this time in Isaiah is that the king of the northern kingdom, Ephraim, was a guy named Pekah. 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:45.859 And the king of the southern kingdom was a guy named Ahaz. 00:06:45.860 --> 00:06:50.400 And the world power of that day, of that time, was Assyria. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:59.319 And Assyria was seeking to spread and to expand their reign and to bring power to themselves. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.980 And they were brutal. 00:07:02.300 --> 00:07:03.500 So here's what was happening. 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:07.980 Assyria was knocking on the door of the northern kingdom. 00:07:07.980 --> 00:07:15.800 And so King Pekah, he established a coalition with another king, the king of Syria, a guy named Rezin. 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:20.340 And they formed a coalition against Assyria. 00:07:21.819 --> 00:07:35.819 And what they decided to do was to try to wage war on Judah in order to bring them into the coalition to increase their force of protection against Assyria. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:36.939 So are you following all this? 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:43.160 So King Ahaz in the 730s is faced with a decision. 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:50.319 He's fearful of the Syrian Ephraim coalition coming and invading him. 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:57.300 And he's even more afraid of having to join forces and fight against the Assyrian horde. 00:08:01.300 --> 00:08:03.900 What's Ahaz going to do? 00:08:03.899 --> 00:08:11.359 And into that situation speaks the prophet of God. 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:17.379 Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14. 00:08:18.819 --> 00:08:19.659 To Ahaz. 00:08:20.339 --> 00:08:22.639 This king who is afraid. 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:26.139 God speaks this word. 00:08:26.139 --> 00:08:29.639 I am going to give you a sign Ahaz. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:38.559 Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:48.439 You see what God was speaking to Ahaz to encourage his heart to trust in the God. 00:08:48.440 --> 00:08:59.580 He's saying to Ahaz, Ahaz, I have a plan for the fullness of time that centers on a coming son who will be called Emmanuel, God with us. 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:01.560 Because he is Emmanuel. 00:09:02.060 --> 00:09:04.260 He is God with us. 00:09:04.259 --> 00:09:10.120 And so what we see God doing through Isaiah is calling Ahaz this fearful king. 00:09:10.319 --> 00:09:11.679 Not to fear Pika. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:12.879 Not to fear Rezin. 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:16.240 Not to fear Tiglath-Pileazar, the king of Assyria. 00:09:16.439 --> 00:09:19.500 But to fear God by trusting in him and trusting in his word. 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:26.340 Lord, that's not the darkness. 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:34.740 It's what Ahaz does next that causes God to hide his face. 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:38.559 What did this Davidic king do? 00:09:38.679 --> 00:09:41.779 What did this one sitting on David's throne do? 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:46.279 2 Kings 16 tells us. 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:52.120 Ahaz plunders the temple of the living God and takes silver and gold. 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:55.779 And he approaches Tiglath-Pileazar, the king of the Assyrians. 00:09:55.959 --> 00:10:03.360 And he asks Assyria to rescue Judah from the attacking Syrians and Ephraimites, that coalition. 00:10:04.579 --> 00:10:06.759 He spurns God's word. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:10.079 He chooses not to trust God. 00:10:10.439 --> 00:10:11.819 Not to trust Emmanuel. 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:16.620 But to trust in a human king to deliver him. 00:10:17.680 --> 00:10:22.420 And so he's going to try to grab the tail of that tiger Assyria. 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:31.019 And when he grabs that tail of that tiger Assyria, he's going to get Assyria. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:39.319 So Isaiah goes on to say in chapters 7 and 8, 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:45.220 what will happen to Judah for rejecting God and running to a human deliverer? 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:51.019 Not only will Syria and the northern kingdom of Ephraim be carried off by Assyria, 00:10:51.659 --> 00:10:54.980 and they were in 734 and 722 respectfully. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:55.679 It happened. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:11:00.739 But Assyria will overwhelm Judah like a flood. 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:05.179 Judah will be overrun by Assyrians. 00:11:05.839 --> 00:11:07.719 And therein lies the darkness. 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:14.899 God hiding his face, handing his people over to a foreign suffering rule. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:20.659 And mind you, this wasn't just Ahab. 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:27.100 This was many of the people of Judah who had refused to trust God's counsel. 00:11:27.579 --> 00:11:33.699 And as a result, quote unquote, Emmanuel's land will be overrun. 00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:34.779 8-8. 00:11:36.939 --> 00:11:37.919 It's the darkness. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:43.599 But God be praised. 00:11:43.699 --> 00:11:48.979 He preserves a remnant in Judah at this time of faithful disciples 00:11:48.979 --> 00:11:55.399 who wait for the Lord despite God hiding his face. 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:57.399 They will hope in him. 00:11:57.819 --> 00:11:59.059 8-16 and 17. 00:11:59.059 --> 00:12:08.219 There remains those in Judah who still are hoping in Yahweh and trusting in his word regarding this coming Emmanuel 00:12:08.219 --> 00:12:12.639 who will one day establish a new kingdom on David's throne. 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:15.739 That's the darkness. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:21.919 And the cause of the darkness is Judah's disobedience. 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:26.579 If you look at 8-22, we read, 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:33.159 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish, 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:35.979 and they will be thrust into thick darkness. 00:12:37.439 --> 00:12:41.539 This darkness is a darkness of sin and of judgment. 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:44.919 These folks will be miserable. 00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:45.939 They were miserable. 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:50.939 And if you want to see something striking, look at verse 21 of chapter 8. 00:12:50.940 --> 00:12:53.780 They will pass through the land greatly distressed and hungry. 00:12:54.180 --> 00:13:02.160 And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God. 00:13:05.520 --> 00:13:09.860 They are cursing God for their darkness. 00:13:12.060 --> 00:13:13.600 He has warned them. 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:15.120 He has provided a way out. 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:17.680 Trust in Emmanuel, he has said to his people. 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:22.120 But they resisted him, ran after a foreign deliverer. 00:13:22.439 --> 00:13:25.099 They are in their darkness, and now they're blaming God. 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:30.559 It's amazing what we're capable of, isn't it? 00:13:30.559 --> 00:13:39.319 This darkness is a darkness of sinful unbelief, of rejecting God and his word. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:43.399 And all of us were born into this dark rebellion of soul, 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:51.139 choosing to trust ourselves and pretty much anything else but the one true God who calls us to submit to his reign. 00:13:51.139 --> 00:14:03.600 In the New Testament, Colossians 1, this darkness is described as a domain of darkness in which all people need to be delivered from. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:14.100 Sin, death, captivity to the devil, that's the domain of darkness. 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:15.480 Sin, death, captivity to the devil, that's the one who's been murdered from. 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:24.060 And maybe you came into this building this morning with some kind of, in some state of unbelief, in some state of hopelessness, 00:14:24.060 --> 00:14:32.620 because you know you are consciously choosing not to trust God and his word. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:38.019 You feel like these people in Judah were failing, like in the 8th century. 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:42.220 You feel distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:47.500 You feel thrust into thick darkness because you have been thrust into thick darkness. 00:14:50.579 --> 00:14:58.799 And this darkness has been a reality of the human experience ever since Adam and Eve first chose not to trust God, 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:03.199 not to trust his word in the garden, and they were thrust out of the garden. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:06.360 God hid his face from them. 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:15.720 We have been living in a world that has been thrust into darkness by rejecting the one true God. 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:20.360 But God always has a glorious plan. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:25.259 God always has a glorious plan. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.319 This is our gloom. 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:34.899 This is the darkness of Isaiah's day and the darkness of our day. 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:41.279 Countless thousands of Kenosha are living in darkness as I say these words. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:45.860 And the cause is unbelief. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:47.360 Rejection of God. 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:54.259 And it's this darkness that is the very background of Isaiah 9, 1 through 7. 00:15:54.679 --> 00:16:02.000 You got to get the background, the darkness, in order to understand the brilliance of the light. 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:06.200 So we've looked at our gloom. 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:08.659 The darkness we've been thrust into. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:11.620 And now let's look at our hope. 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:17.519 God shining his bright light into the darkness. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:27.360 And mind you, Isaiah wrote these words 700 years plus before the first cry of Jesus was heard. 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:33.639 So let's look now at Isaiah 9, 1 through 7. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:39.419 And Isaiah 9, 1 through 7 can be broken into two areas, two sections. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:43.659 1 through 3, Isaiah prophesies of what God will do. 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:44.980 And there's three things you need to see. 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:52.320 And then Isaiah 9, 4 through 7, the explanation of what God will do. 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:54.160 How God will do that. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:59.460 So let's now turn to what God will do. 00:17:00.400 --> 00:17:03.040 First thing is chapter 9, verse 1. 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:07.559 He will turn our gloom into glory. 00:17:09.259 --> 00:17:14.559 But, but, God's going to do something. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:19.819 There will be no gloom for her who is in anguish. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:25.000 In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:30.279 But in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 00:17:30.679 --> 00:17:34.099 There is a former time and a latter time of which Isaiah speaks. 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:37.819 The former time is the time he's living in. 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:41.939 And the latter time is a future time, the time of Emmanuel. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:49.740 And this former time which he's speaking of, writing about. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:54.299 This land has been brought into contempt. 00:17:55.139 --> 00:17:56.579 They're under God's judgment. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.839 They are in darkness. 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:04.319 And they're in darkness for their disobedience. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:09.179 But in the latter time, an unspecified future. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:16.359 God will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:18.439 Literally, Galilee of the Gentiles. 00:18:20.119 --> 00:18:22.679 Now, when you read verse 1. 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:26.119 And you read the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:28.000 And then you read about this other lands. 00:18:28.179 --> 00:18:30.960 The land that's the way of the sea. 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:32.179 The land beyond the Jordan. 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:33.299 Galilee of the nations. 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:38.159 One might think that Isaiah is speaking about a whole bunch of different lands. 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:42.059 But the reality is, he's only talking about one area. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:46.000 He's got one location in mind. 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:48.639 It's the same location. 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:51.859 What he's describing as the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:57.139 It's the same area of land described as the way of the sea. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.339 The land beyond the Jordan. 00:18:58.519 --> 00:18:59.440 Galilee of the nations. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.859 It's the same area. 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:06.219 The difference is, in the former times, it's under gloom. 00:19:07.219 --> 00:19:11.699 But in the latter times, it's seeing God's glory. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:14.559 There's a difference. 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:14.759 There's a difference. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:21.700 And what accounts for the difference is that land of Galilee. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:24.580 Of the Gentiles. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:32.740 Something's going to happen in Galilee that's going to turn gloom into glory. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:36.940 About 700 years later. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:42.380 There's going to be a carpenter who moves into Galilee. 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:42.420 Galilee. 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:43.599 Nazareth. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:46.680 And his oldest son is named Jesus. 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:50.460 Galilee of the nations. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:56.420 What we learn here is that Isaiah is looking forward to this time of Emmanuel. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:20:06.220 And he's saying that there's going to do a glorious work in which God is going to begin to reach the Gentiles. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:13.779 Do you remember where Jesus began his ministry? 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:18.379 He began his ministry in Galilee. 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:26.200 God is going to do a new work, according to Isaiah. 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:29.859 The first one is he's going to turn gloom into glory. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:32.240 And the second work we see in verse 2. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:34.940 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:38.460 Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:44.220 The second work is he's going to shine light into darkness. 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:47.940 What is he talking about? 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:54.200 Remember in 817 we talked about the darkness is the result of God hiding his face. 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.460 Judgment. 00:20:56.380 --> 00:20:57.480 The darkness of sin. 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.960 Disobedience. 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:12.000 Well, it goes to say that if darkness is God's hiding his face, then this light shining is God revealing his face. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.600 Showing his favor. 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:20.240 Grace shining in the darkness. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:25.940 The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4.6 says, 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:38.420 For God who said, let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:47.319 The light shining in the darkness is the person of Jesus Christ. 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:53.179 Now, if you came into this building this morning and you are feeling thrust into deep darkness, 00:21:53.700 --> 00:22:01.740 what you need to understand is that this light that will shine into the darkness that Isaiah is speaking of, 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:04.279 that will happen 700 years from when he writes, 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:06.799 it's already shining. 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:12.980 Because we're looking back on that same light shining, the birth of Jesus, 00:22:13.399 --> 00:22:15.720 we're 2,000 years after the fact. 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:23.460 The light of Jesus is shining today in the darkness. 00:22:26.279 --> 00:22:27.740 But there's another work. 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:29.240 We see this in verse 3. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:32.160 You have multiplied the nation. 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.819 You have increased its joy. 00:22:34.279 --> 00:22:36.819 They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:39.819 as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:50.379 In the latter time, Isaiah prophesies that God will turn anguish into rejoicing. 00:22:51.500 --> 00:22:52.980 Gloom to glory. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:56.059 Light in the darkness. 00:22:57.500 --> 00:23:00.039 Anguish to rejoicing. 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:02.439 And notice who's doing it. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.639 Verse 3. 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:05.639 You have multiplied the nation. 00:23:06.139 --> 00:23:07.679 You have increased its joy. 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:09.380 This is God at work. 00:23:10.100 --> 00:23:13.940 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:16.220 This is God working. 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:19.320 And what you need to see here is the joy. 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:25.600 We move from the anguish of being in darkness to the joy of being in the light. 00:23:26.060 --> 00:23:29.259 And Isaiah likens it to a joy at harvest. 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.600 Bounty. 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.099 Abundance. 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:33.059 Abundance. 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:37.639 He likens it to the gladness of a victory over an enemy. 00:23:37.939 --> 00:23:39.359 When you divide the spoil. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:41.899 An abundance of land. 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.740 Victories over enemies. 00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:47.339 Those were classic signs of God's blessing on his people. 00:23:49.939 --> 00:23:50.639 Joy. 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:54.240 Gloom to glory. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.319 Joy. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:57.200 The face of God shining. 00:23:57.700 --> 00:24:02.480 Resulting in a transformation of anguish into rejoicing. 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:06.960 That's the work that God is going to do. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:11.480 Starting in Galilee. 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:22.860 This is all prophesied 700 years before the birth of Jesus. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:30.839 Now the question becomes, if this is what God is going to do, how is he going to do it? 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:34.259 How is he going to light up the place? 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:38.279 How is he going to transform this place? 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:46.619 And that's now where I want to help you to see how God will turn gloom to glory. 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:48.559 Shine light into darkness. 00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:51.519 And turn anguish into rejoicing. 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:57.559 In verses 4 through 7, we have three explanations of why this is going to happen. 00:24:58.619 --> 00:25:00.599 They're all queued up by the word for. 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.879 Look at verse 4. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:10.320 For the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you, God, have broken as on the day of Midian. 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.860 You know what it's a picture of? 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.600 Deliverance from captivity. 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:22.340 This yoke of his burden is slavery. 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:24.959 The staff of his shoulder. 00:25:24.959 --> 00:25:27.339 Getting smacked. 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:31.419 The rod of his oppressor, of his taskmaster. 00:25:31.579 --> 00:25:32.639 This is Exodus talk. 00:25:32.959 --> 00:25:33.879 Of deliverance. 00:25:35.199 --> 00:25:39.859 God is saying that I'm going to turn your gloom to glory. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:42.539 I'm going to cause my face to shine upon you. 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:48.039 I'm going to turn your anguish into joy when I deliver you. 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:53.180 And it's going to be on the day of Midian. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:55.359 That's a reference to Judges 6 and 7. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.839 Remember Gideon? 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.659 He got 22,000 guys. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:26:03.000 He's going to battle against this big army of Midianites and Amalekites. 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:04.599 And God says, no, no, no, too big. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:07.119 And he winnows it down to 300 dudes. 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:11.819 And you know why God winnowed it down to 300 dudes? 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:16.119 To defeat an army that was beyond count. 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:20.279 So that God got the glory. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:25.579 God is going to do a work of deliverance, Isaiah says. 00:26:25.879 --> 00:26:27.559 That's going to turn gloom to glory. 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:28.960 His face is going to shine. 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:31.539 It's going to turn anguish into rejoicing. 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:35.399 Because God's going to do a deliverance in which he alone gets the glory. 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:42.960 What a deliverance he brought. 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:52.280 What he's speaking of in the future, we look back on as a work already accomplished by Jesus. 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:52.379 Jesus. 00:26:53.379 --> 00:26:58.799 The greatest underdog who won the greatest deliverance through his blood. 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:05.299 There is another reason. 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:08.899 It's not just a coming deliverance that has already come. 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:11.379 But there's a coming victory. 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.619 Look at verse 5. 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.460 Another 4. 00:27:13.879 --> 00:27:16.819 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult, 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:18.680 and every garment rolled in blood, 00:27:18.919 --> 00:27:21.039 will be burned as fuel for the fire. 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:24.200 He's talking about victory in battle. 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:30.580 Boot, tramping warrior, battle tumult, garment rolled in blood. 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:32.799 Stuff. 00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:34.819 Stuff's the product of war. 00:27:36.080 --> 00:27:38.299 It's going to be burned as fuel for the fire. 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:44.559 There's going to be a victory in which the victors burn all the stuff of their enemies. 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:48.920 A victory that brings peace. 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:51.000 That brings shalom. 00:27:53.080 --> 00:27:53.559 Fullness. 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:55.480 The ceasing of war. 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:58.180 Beating swords into plowshares. 00:27:58.580 --> 00:28:01.539 Beating spears into pruning hooks. 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:07.519 What Isaiah is speaking of is a prophecy of a future victory 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:11.420 that will bring about a peace resulting in a deliverance 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:15.640 that brings joy to an anguished heart because God's face is shining. 00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:18.080 It transforms gloom into glory. 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:21.779 And it's all going to start in this place called Galilee. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:22.779 Victory. 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:23.779 Victory. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.779 Victory. 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:26.779 Victory. 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:28.779 Triumph. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.379 Triumph. 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:36.720 And we know that Emmanuel's triumph was at the cross. 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:43.339 which brings us to the last four. 00:28:45.839 --> 00:28:46.680 Verse six. 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:48.680 Four. 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:49.680 To us. 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:50.860 To us. 00:28:51.060 --> 00:28:52.600 A child is born. 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:54.779 To us a son is given. 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:57.000 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:59.799 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor. 00:28:59.860 --> 00:29:00.440 Mighty God. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.340 Everlasting Father. 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.100 Prince of Peace. 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:04.699 Of the increase of his government and of peace. 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:06.339 There will be no end. 00:29:06.699 --> 00:29:08.919 On the throne of David and over his kingdom. 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:12.459 To establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:15.159 From this time forth and forevermore. 00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:19.560 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.220 This coming deliverance. 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:23.860 This coming victory. 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:27.600 Is going to come from a coming king. 00:29:31.100 --> 00:29:33.200 He describes him as a child. 00:29:35.300 --> 00:29:35.820 Notice. 00:29:36.420 --> 00:29:37.580 This is God at work. 00:29:38.160 --> 00:29:41.660 Who is the one from whom this child is going to be born? 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.440 God. 00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:44.039 Who is this one? 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:45.140 This son who is given? 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:47.000 God has given this son. 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:49.779 This is God at work. 00:29:49.880 --> 00:29:52.279 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.860 The us. 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:58.900 For to us a child is born. 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:00.019 To us a son is given. 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:02.580 Are all those with tender heart. 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:05.620 Who are willing to receive Emmanuel as king. 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.259 Trusting in his word. 00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:09.759 Obeying him. 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:12.080 This child. 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:15.480 Who is in Isaiah's mind coming. 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.960 He will win a victory. 00:30:18.320 --> 00:30:20.059 That brings about a deliverance. 00:30:20.340 --> 00:30:22.779 Resulting in a great gladness. 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:25.100 Because God's face is shining. 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:27.900 Turning gloom into glory. 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:30.500 Because something has to do with Galilee. 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.460 This is Emmanuel. 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:38.920 For to us a child is born. 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.259 To us a son is given. 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:42.319 This is a human. 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:43.859 He's born. 00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:45.379 And he is male. 00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:47.140 Child born. 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.279 Son given. 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:50.299 But this same child. 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:54.660 Is the Isaiah 714 child. 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.059 Emmanuel. 00:30:58.339 --> 00:30:59.379 God with us. 00:30:59.380 --> 00:31:00.380 God incarnate. 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:01.820 This coming king. 00:31:01.820 --> 00:31:01.840 This coming king. 00:31:03.140 --> 00:31:04.420 Is fully God. 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:06.880 And fully man. 00:31:08.100 --> 00:31:09.240 God incarnate. 00:31:10.300 --> 00:31:10.820 Emmanuel. 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.540 And notice. 00:31:14.800 --> 00:31:15.840 Not only is he Emmanuel. 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:20.240 He will be entrusted with governance. 00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:21.839 Verse 6. 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:23.539 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:25.879 Do you know the last time you read the word shoulder? 00:31:26.699 --> 00:31:27.980 It was in verse 4. 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:30.399 For the yoke of his burden and the staff. 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:32.379 For his shoulder had been broken. 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.480 The government. 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:37.220 Which Emmanuel brings. 00:31:37.459 --> 00:31:39.059 That will be on his shoulder. 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:42.919 Will bring peace to your shoulder. 00:31:42.920 --> 00:31:43.400 Emmanuel. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:47.460 Emmanuel. 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:49.200 Entrusted with governments. 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:50.380 And he's entitled. 00:31:50.840 --> 00:31:51.940 Look at the four titles. 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:54.420 Wonderful Counselor. 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.560 Mighty God. 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.700 Everlasting Father. 00:31:56.900 --> 00:31:57.900 Prince of Peace. 00:31:58.740 --> 00:32:00.340 These are kingly titles. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:02.720 There's no one like this. 00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:05.300 I'm going to come back to that first title. 00:32:05.580 --> 00:32:06.680 Wonderful Counselor. 00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:07.480 In just a second. 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:10.200 I just want you to see this section though all together. 00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:11.640 It's entitled. 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:14.039 And he's enthroned on David's throne. 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.940 Look at verse 7. 00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:17.539 Of the increase of his government and of peace. 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.360 There will be no end. 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.460 On the throne of David. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.940 Fulfilling 2 Samuel 7. 00:32:23.039 --> 00:32:24.980 Where God promises to David. 00:32:25.120 --> 00:32:27.200 There will be one who sits on his throne. 00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:28.319 Forever. 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:28.960 Forever. 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.360 Forever. 00:32:32.640 --> 00:32:34.600 And this forever kingdom. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.920 This everlasting kingdom. 00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:39.200 Is an expanding governance. 00:32:39.880 --> 00:32:40.340 Verse 7. 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:43.180 Of the increase of his government and of peace. 00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:46.100 His reign of justice and righteousness. 00:32:46.620 --> 00:32:47.640 Brings shalom. 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.779 Peace with God. 00:32:50.140 --> 00:32:51.259 Peace with yourself. 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:53.319 Peace with other people in your life. 00:32:53.400 --> 00:32:55.940 And one day peace with all of creation. 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:56.059 Peace with God. 00:32:58.140 --> 00:32:59.720 That's what Emmanuel will do. 00:33:01.100 --> 00:33:03.000 That's what Emmanuel is doing. 00:33:06.100 --> 00:33:09.460 And this is empowered by the Lord of hosts. 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:12.000 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:14.860 That Lord of hosts title. 00:33:15.059 --> 00:33:16.900 That's God's warrior title. 00:33:17.600 --> 00:33:19.500 He's going to accomplish this. 00:33:20.100 --> 00:33:21.480 According to his zeal. 00:33:21.580 --> 00:33:22.519 And that word zeal. 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:25.799 Oh it comes really close to the word. 00:33:25.940 --> 00:33:26.740 Jealousy. 00:33:28.340 --> 00:33:28.920 God. 00:33:30.080 --> 00:33:30.580 Is. 00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:32.340 Zealous. 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:34.700 For his people. 00:33:36.080 --> 00:33:37.160 He loves. 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:38.080 Us. 00:33:38.900 --> 00:33:40.320 He wants to grace. 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:41.160 Us. 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:43.259 In that love. 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:45.640 And drives his power. 00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:47.320 To bring about. 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:48.720 This Emmanuel. 00:33:49.180 --> 00:33:50.360 Who will establish. 00:33:50.660 --> 00:33:52.400 A forever kingdom of peace. 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:54.240 Which will bring about a victory. 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:56.120 That brings about deliverance. 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:57.940 That brings about a joy. 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.920 Out of anguish. 00:33:59.039 --> 00:34:00.700 Because God's face is shining. 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:02.920 In terms gloom into glory. 00:34:02.920 --> 00:34:09.619 The child. 00:34:09.619 --> 00:34:09.659 The child. 00:34:10.300 --> 00:34:11.440 Is king. 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:14.019 The Messiah king. 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.360 And this child. 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:18.340 Who Isaiah saw was coming. 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.240 He has come. 00:34:21.380 --> 00:34:22.720 He has come. 00:34:23.900 --> 00:34:25.280 Two thousand years ago. 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:26.159 He came. 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:28.539 To establish his reign. 00:34:28.539 --> 00:34:28.619 King. 00:34:31.820 --> 00:34:32.860 And now let's just. 00:34:33.019 --> 00:34:33.820 Pause for a second. 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:35.659 To consider one of these four titles. 00:34:36.820 --> 00:34:37.880 Wonderful counselor. 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.840 It's a kingly title. 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:42.340 So when you hear the word counselor. 00:34:42.500 --> 00:34:43.219 You may be thinking. 00:34:43.340 --> 00:34:43.880 You're a therapist. 00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:46.719 And there's some similarities. 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:47.759 Of truth speaking. 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:50.059 But you have to understand. 00:34:50.179 --> 00:34:51.159 This wonderful counselor. 00:34:51.340 --> 00:34:52.139 He's the king. 00:34:52.460 --> 00:34:54.179 He counsels his people. 00:34:54.320 --> 00:34:55.360 He directs them. 00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:57.120 He leads them into truth. 00:34:57.220 --> 00:34:58.559 By speaking truth. 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:00.800 He is. 00:35:01.300 --> 00:35:03.019 The kingly counselor. 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:05.740 And his counsel. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.099 Is wonderful. 00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:09.220 Wonderful counselor. 00:35:09.680 --> 00:35:11.240 It's talking about the nature. 00:35:11.240 --> 00:35:12.579 Of his counsel. 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:14.380 That word wonderful. 00:35:14.640 --> 00:35:15.500 It verges. 00:35:15.860 --> 00:35:17.019 It gets real close. 00:35:17.380 --> 00:35:19.180 To what we would call miraculous. 00:35:20.640 --> 00:35:22.000 Miraculous counsel. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:25.059 So don't think. 00:35:25.179 --> 00:35:26.239 That this wonderful counselor. 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:27.760 Is like a notch up. 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:28.500 From your. 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:30.760 Your high school guidance counselor. 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:34.119 This counselor. 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.920 Is Emmanuel. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:38.300 Counselor. 00:35:39.699 --> 00:35:40.639 God speaking. 00:35:41.940 --> 00:35:42.880 Leading his people. 00:35:46.900 --> 00:35:48.019 Categorically different. 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:52.460 Jesus. 00:35:52.960 --> 00:35:54.380 When he was teaching on earth. 00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:57.519 His teaching affected people. 00:35:58.340 --> 00:35:58.860 Regularly. 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:00.300 With astonishment. 00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:02.039 With wonder. 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:05.340 If you looked at Matthew chapter 7. 00:36:06.159 --> 00:36:07.039 Sermon on the mount. 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:09.059 We've got a bunch of sisters. 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:10.159 In the church. 00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:11.780 Studying the sermon on the mount. 00:36:11.880 --> 00:36:12.300 Right now. 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.259 And when you get to. 00:36:13.480 --> 00:36:14.860 Verses 28 and 29. 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:16.059 And Jesus has just. 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:16.759 Kind of. 00:36:16.760 --> 00:36:17.920 Reclaimed. 00:36:18.080 --> 00:36:19.080 All of God. 00:36:19.160 --> 00:36:20.420 This misplaced. 00:36:20.580 --> 00:36:20.960 Teaching. 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:22.440 That God's people were teaching. 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:22.740 And he says. 00:36:22.840 --> 00:36:24.220 This is what God truly means. 00:36:26.920 --> 00:36:28.620 The people there were astonished. 00:36:30.020 --> 00:36:31.200 They've never heard anybody. 00:36:31.300 --> 00:36:32.240 Preach like this before. 00:36:32.860 --> 00:36:34.060 Teach like this before. 00:36:34.320 --> 00:36:35.380 Because this is the wonderful. 00:36:35.380 --> 00:36:36.280 Counselor speaking. 00:36:37.240 --> 00:36:38.220 This is Emmanuel. 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.440 Matthew 13. 00:36:40.760 --> 00:36:41.160 Parables. 00:36:41.400 --> 00:36:42.080 They're astonished. 00:36:42.180 --> 00:36:42.940 Matthew 22. 00:36:43.660 --> 00:36:44.880 Jesus rebukes. 00:36:45.200 --> 00:36:46.220 The Sadducees. 00:36:46.219 --> 00:36:47.719 He just turns the tables on him. 00:36:47.939 --> 00:36:49.779 People there were just flabbergasted. 00:36:49.879 --> 00:36:50.539 At what he did. 00:36:50.719 --> 00:36:51.659 They were amazed. 00:36:53.779 --> 00:36:54.779 Wonderful teaching. 00:36:56.699 --> 00:36:57.759 Wonderful teaching. 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:01.579 In Matthew chapter 4. 00:37:03.439 --> 00:37:06.159 Matthew actually quotes the passage that we're in. 00:37:07.199 --> 00:37:08.219 Isaiah chapter 9. 00:37:08.500 --> 00:37:10.000 And if you want to turn with me there. 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:11.940 Matthew chapter 4. 00:37:11.940 --> 00:37:13.000 Verses 14. 00:37:13.659 --> 00:37:14.059 15. 00:37:14.219 --> 00:37:14.619 16. 00:37:16.119 --> 00:37:16.519 Jesus. 00:37:17.159 --> 00:37:18.159 Is beginning. 00:37:18.639 --> 00:37:19.619 His ministry. 00:37:20.739 --> 00:37:21.619 And Matthew says. 00:37:21.840 --> 00:37:23.679 This was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah. 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:24.780 Had spoken. 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:26.059 The land of Zebulun. 00:37:26.119 --> 00:37:27.059 And the land of Naphtali. 00:37:27.219 --> 00:37:28.179 The way of the sea. 00:37:28.260 --> 00:37:28.920 Beyond the Jordan. 00:37:29.079 --> 00:37:30.099 Galilee of the Gentiles. 00:37:30.159 --> 00:37:31.380 The people dwelling in darkness. 00:37:31.699 --> 00:37:32.760 Have seen a great light. 00:37:32.880 --> 00:37:33.460 And for those. 00:37:33.739 --> 00:37:34.599 Dwelling in the region. 00:37:34.699 --> 00:37:35.579 And shadow of death. 00:37:35.920 --> 00:37:36.539 Deep darkness. 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:37.420 On them. 00:37:37.619 --> 00:37:38.139 A light. 00:37:38.519 --> 00:37:39.940 Has dawned. 00:37:40.179 --> 00:37:41.259 Do you see the point? 00:37:42.179 --> 00:37:43.079 Jesus was born. 00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:44.219 Emmanuel has come. 00:37:44.480 --> 00:37:46.659 And when he begins his ministry. 00:37:47.159 --> 00:37:48.039 Matthew says. 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:49.539 The light is dawning. 00:37:51.079 --> 00:37:52.559 The light is shining. 00:37:52.559 --> 00:37:53.820 Of the wonderful counselor. 00:37:55.400 --> 00:37:57.400 And if you look at verse 17. 00:37:58.239 --> 00:37:58.619 Look. 00:37:59.340 --> 00:38:00.960 At what he begins with. 00:38:01.539 --> 00:38:01.940 In. 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.719 His public ministry. 00:38:04.679 --> 00:38:06.519 Words of the wonderful counselor. 00:38:06.539 --> 00:38:08.079 King Emmanuel. 00:38:08.500 --> 00:38:09.000 He says. 00:38:09.099 --> 00:38:09.559 Repent. 00:38:09.759 --> 00:38:10.840 For the kingdom of heaven. 00:38:11.380 --> 00:38:12.059 Is at hand. 00:38:13.059 --> 00:38:13.699 My kingdom. 00:38:14.820 --> 00:38:15.619 Has come. 00:38:17.460 --> 00:38:18.000 Trust. 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:19.739 In me. 00:38:23.519 --> 00:38:25.159 The birth of Jesus Christ. 00:38:25.300 --> 00:38:26.480 This wonderful counselor. 00:38:29.119 --> 00:38:30.800 It lights up. 00:38:31.400 --> 00:38:32.239 Our darkness. 00:38:32.239 --> 00:38:36.679 We've looked at our gloom. 00:38:37.979 --> 00:38:39.859 We've looked at the light that is shining. 00:38:41.599 --> 00:38:44.799 What Isaiah prophesied 700 years ago. 00:38:44.799 --> 00:38:45.919 Of this coming king. 00:38:47.919 --> 00:38:48.859 Is happening. 00:38:49.859 --> 00:38:50.879 He has come. 00:38:51.699 --> 00:38:52.119 Jesus. 00:38:52.119 --> 00:38:53.359 That promised. 00:38:53.619 --> 00:38:54.259 Emmanuel. 00:38:54.679 --> 00:38:54.979 King. 00:38:56.279 --> 00:38:57.819 The wonderful counselor. 00:38:57.820 --> 00:38:59.660 He's at work. 00:38:59.660 --> 00:38:59.700 He's at work. 00:39:00.220 --> 00:39:00.700 Today. 00:39:01.500 --> 00:39:03.940 So let me call you to respond. 00:39:04.420 --> 00:39:05.519 In one of three ways. 00:39:06.539 --> 00:39:07.660 Three musts. 00:39:08.340 --> 00:39:09.220 First. 00:39:09.900 --> 00:39:10.800 In light of. 00:39:11.160 --> 00:39:11.500 Jesus. 00:39:11.960 --> 00:39:13.059 The wonderful counselor. 00:39:13.340 --> 00:39:14.740 The long anticipated one. 00:39:14.739 --> 00:39:17.079 You must. 00:39:17.079 --> 00:39:17.099 You must. 00:39:17.259 --> 00:39:18.079 Bow yourself. 00:39:18.279 --> 00:39:18.579 Down. 00:39:18.739 --> 00:39:19.379 Before him. 00:39:21.179 --> 00:39:22.379 You must. 00:39:22.899 --> 00:39:23.879 Recognize him. 00:39:24.519 --> 00:39:25.259 As the king. 00:39:26.039 --> 00:39:27.059 So this Christmas. 00:39:27.859 --> 00:39:28.879 Ask yourself. 00:39:29.379 --> 00:39:30.419 Have I taken. 00:39:30.679 --> 00:39:31.399 To heart. 00:39:31.659 --> 00:39:33.439 All that the wonderful counselor. 00:39:34.039 --> 00:39:34.779 King Jesus. 00:39:34.779 --> 00:39:36.479 Has spoken to me. 00:39:36.899 --> 00:39:38.319 In that reliable. 00:39:39.079 --> 00:39:39.339 Book. 00:39:39.679 --> 00:39:40.299 The Bible. 00:39:41.139 --> 00:39:42.339 Have I taken it. 00:39:42.419 --> 00:39:42.879 To heart. 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:44.840 Have you heard. 00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:45.579 These words. 00:39:45.680 --> 00:39:46.099 Repent. 00:39:46.180 --> 00:39:46.640 For the kingdom. 00:39:46.640 --> 00:39:47.099 Of heaven. 00:39:47.099 --> 00:39:47.640 Is near. 00:39:48.519 --> 00:39:49.920 Come under my reign. 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:50.860 Jesus is saying. 00:39:50.860 --> 00:39:52.079 And have you. 00:39:52.860 --> 00:39:54.079 Bowed yourself. 00:39:54.940 --> 00:39:55.260 Down. 00:39:55.480 --> 00:39:55.860 To him. 00:39:57.220 --> 00:39:58.400 That's the right. 00:39:58.539 --> 00:39:59.099 Posture. 00:39:59.240 --> 00:39:59.800 Before. 00:40:00.039 --> 00:40:00.420 Emmanuel. 00:40:01.700 --> 00:40:02.599 And with that. 00:40:03.480 --> 00:40:04.599 You experience. 00:40:04.720 --> 00:40:05.240 His victory. 00:40:06.119 --> 00:40:06.599 Experience. 00:40:06.700 --> 00:40:07.519 His deliverance. 00:40:08.079 --> 00:40:08.980 You experience. 00:40:09.119 --> 00:40:09.720 The joy. 00:40:10.340 --> 00:40:11.119 You experience. 00:40:11.220 --> 00:40:11.880 His face. 00:40:12.039 --> 00:40:12.400 Shining. 00:40:12.400 --> 00:40:13.740 You experience. 00:40:13.740 --> 00:40:14.480 The glory. 00:40:17.039 --> 00:40:17.639 Come. 00:40:19.480 --> 00:40:20.559 Submit yourself. 00:40:20.559 --> 00:40:21.019 Today. 00:40:21.139 --> 00:40:21.680 To the king. 00:40:23.420 --> 00:40:24.599 The second must. 00:40:25.539 --> 00:40:27.760 If you have submitted yourself. 00:40:27.920 --> 00:40:28.480 To the king. 00:40:29.240 --> 00:40:30.039 Bowed yourself. 00:40:30.039 --> 00:40:30.360 Down. 00:40:30.440 --> 00:40:31.079 Before him. 00:40:32.139 --> 00:40:32.660 Second. 00:40:33.220 --> 00:40:34.460 You must lift up. 00:40:34.539 --> 00:40:35.000 Your voice. 00:40:35.260 --> 00:40:35.700 To him. 00:40:36.880 --> 00:40:37.960 You must. 00:40:38.539 --> 00:40:39.180 Rejoice. 00:40:39.179 --> 00:40:40.879 You must rejoice. 00:40:40.879 --> 00:40:42.099 With great gladness. 00:40:42.480 --> 00:40:43.159 Rejoice. 00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:44.239 Rejoice. 00:40:44.619 --> 00:40:45.259 Emmanuel. 00:40:45.859 --> 00:40:46.339 Joy. 00:40:46.339 --> 00:40:47.619 To the world. 00:40:47.960 --> 00:40:48.460 The lord. 00:40:48.599 --> 00:40:49.059 The king. 00:40:49.199 --> 00:40:49.799 Has come. 00:40:52.119 --> 00:40:53.639 Lift up your voice. 00:40:55.079 --> 00:40:56.039 Christmas carols. 00:40:56.179 --> 00:40:57.679 Become worship songs. 00:40:58.419 --> 00:40:59.559 When you realize. 00:40:59.719 --> 00:41:00.739 Who this king is. 00:41:00.739 --> 00:41:03.500 The third must. 00:41:06.159 --> 00:41:08.059 You must get the good news. 00:41:08.059 --> 00:41:09.159 Out about him. 00:41:10.439 --> 00:41:11.859 You got to get the word out. 00:41:13.159 --> 00:41:14.559 Let me quote you someone. 00:41:16.659 --> 00:41:17.039 This. 00:41:18.199 --> 00:41:19.819 News about king Jesus. 00:41:20.659 --> 00:41:21.619 Is good news. 00:41:21.619 --> 00:41:22.519 Of great joy. 00:41:22.519 --> 00:41:23.539 For all the people. 00:41:24.479 --> 00:41:25.759 That's the Luke 2 angel. 00:41:25.760 --> 00:41:28.480 This is good news. 00:41:28.560 --> 00:41:30.240 This is gospel news. 00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:32.160 That brings great joy. 00:41:32.460 --> 00:41:33.220 Because God. 00:41:33.400 --> 00:41:34.000 In Christ. 00:41:34.400 --> 00:41:35.700 Transforms gloom. 00:41:35.840 --> 00:41:36.760 Into glory. 00:41:37.240 --> 00:41:38.680 He is God's face. 00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:39.880 Shining on us. 00:41:43.300 --> 00:41:45.280 It might not seem like much. 00:41:46.220 --> 00:41:47.820 But I showed you earlier. 00:41:48.140 --> 00:41:49.920 That little invitation. 00:41:49.920 --> 00:41:51.760 To the Christmas Eve service. 00:41:53.480 --> 00:41:54.960 Get the word out. 00:41:55.760 --> 00:41:56.660 About Emmanuel. 00:41:58.180 --> 00:41:59.460 Hand that to someone. 00:41:59.580 --> 00:42:00.240 Who's in darkness. 00:42:01.540 --> 00:42:03.160 God is more than able. 00:42:03.540 --> 00:42:04.240 To cause. 00:42:04.920 --> 00:42:05.400 Cause. 00:42:05.620 --> 00:42:06.480 His light. 00:42:06.700 --> 00:42:07.840 Of the glory of God. 00:42:07.920 --> 00:42:08.860 In the face of Jesus. 00:42:09.320 --> 00:42:10.120 To shine. 00:42:10.340 --> 00:42:11.780 In that person's darkness. 00:42:12.980 --> 00:42:14.380 And when that happens. 00:42:14.960 --> 00:42:15.720 There's going to be. 00:42:15.720 --> 00:42:16.860 A growing number of people. 00:42:16.860 --> 00:42:17.660 In this room. 00:42:18.400 --> 00:42:19.720 Who are rejoicing. 00:42:21.500 --> 00:42:22.940 Who are experiencing. 00:42:23.840 --> 00:42:25.200 That shining face. 00:42:25.760 --> 00:42:28.160 Whose gloom. 00:42:28.320 --> 00:42:29.220 Has turned to glory. 00:42:31.280 --> 00:42:32.620 So in light of all. 00:42:32.720 --> 00:42:33.620 Of who Jesus is. 00:42:35.920 --> 00:42:37.060 Christmas is not just. 00:42:37.220 --> 00:42:38.180 The most wonderful time. 00:42:38.240 --> 00:42:38.700 Of the year. 00:42:40.440 --> 00:42:41.700 This first Christmas. 00:42:41.699 --> 00:42:45.179 It ushered in. 00:42:45.179 --> 00:42:46.359 The most wonderful time. 00:42:46.359 --> 00:42:46.819 Of all. 00:42:46.819 --> 00:42:46.980 The most wonderful time. 00:42:48.419 --> 00:42:48.519 The most wonderful time. 00:42:48.519 --> 00:42:48.919 Of all. 00:42:48.919 --> 00:42:50.339 The saving reign. 00:42:50.559 --> 00:42:52.039 Of Jesus Christ. 00:42:52.859 --> 00:42:53.819 Our Emmanuel. 00:42:55.179 --> 00:42:55.819 God. 00:42:55.899 --> 00:42:56.759 Thank you so much. 00:42:57.259 --> 00:42:58.339 For this book. 00:42:58.439 --> 00:42:58.659 Written. 00:42:58.659 --> 00:43:00.460 2700 years ago. 00:43:01.559 --> 00:43:02.639 That speaks. 00:43:03.279 --> 00:43:04.099 Of our. 00:43:04.719 --> 00:43:05.239 Today. 00:43:05.739 --> 00:43:06.099 King. 00:43:07.619 --> 00:43:08.440 We gladly. 00:43:08.579 --> 00:43:08.960 Bow down. 00:43:09.039 --> 00:43:09.639 Before you. 00:43:10.359 --> 00:43:11.179 We gladly. 00:43:11.179 --> 00:43:12.179 Lift up our voices. 00:43:12.179 --> 00:43:12.799 To you. 00:43:13.199 --> 00:43:14.159 And we gladly. 00:43:14.159 --> 00:43:15.359 Get the word out. 00:43:15.559 --> 00:43:16.420 This good news. 00:43:16.500 --> 00:43:17.259 Of great joy. 00:43:18.259 --> 00:43:19.119 For all. 00:43:19.119 --> 00:43:19.679 The people. 00:43:20.399 --> 00:43:21.599 In Jesus name. 00:43:22.119 --> 00:43:22.460 Amen. 00:43:22.460 --> 00:43:22.619 Amen. 00:43:22.619 --> 00:43:24.279 Amen. 00:43:24.819 --> 00:43:25.299 Amen. 00:43:25.519 --> 00:43:25.759 Amen. 00:43:25.759 --> 00:43:25.779 Amen. 00:43:27.099 --> 00:43:27.619 Amen. 00:43:28.279 --> 00:43:29.420 Amen. 00:43:29.420 --> 00:43:29.599 Amen. 00:43:29.859 --> 00:43:30.359 Amen. 00:43:30.380 --> 00:43:30.739 Amen. 00:43:31.099 --> 00:43:31.739 Amen. 00:43:31.739 --> 00:43:31.759 Amen. 00:43:32.779 --> 00:43:34.000 Amen. 00:43:34.000 --> 00:43:34.579 Amen. 00:43:35.119 --> 00:43:35.739 Amen. 00:43:35.739 --> 00:43:35.819 Amen. 00:43:35.819 --> 00:43:37.719 Amen. 00:43:39.659 --> 00:43:40.139 Amen. 00:43:40.139 --> 00:43:42.119 Amen. 00:43:42.139 --> 00:43:43.359 Amen. 00:43:46.219 --> 00:43:50.699 Amen. 00:43:50.699 --> 00:43:51.539 Amen. 00:43:51.799 --> 00:43:51.980 Amen.