Daily Devotion - December 18, 2024

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6)

Isaiah writes this passage during a sorrowful and somber time in Israel's history. God’s people had turned their backs on him, and the light of hope seemed all but extinguished. 

That would be a sad story for sure — if that were the end. But it’s not! Isaiah prophesied that God had a plan for turning his people back to him! The prophet proclaims, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This prophesied Son would be the Savior of the World, offering God’s counsel, might, love, and peace!  

At times such a Son may seem distant from us, lost in the sentiment of a Christmas song, or banished from our hearts by serious sin. Whatever the cause of his seeming distance, recognize Isaiah wrote to a people whose sentiments were idolatrous and whose sin was great. 

If you think you do not qualify for God’s counsel, might, love, and peace, then think again. If people like these were to receive help from Jesus, then people like you and me can expect it, too. 

If we didn’t need his help, then Jesus would not have come. Sin never needs to be the end of God’s story. Let him write Jesus’ ending for you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that my sins need not be the end of your story for me. Help me remember that my Savior came because I needed saving, and turn my heart to seek his counsel, might, love, and peace.