In Isaiah’s day, there was a great confederacy against Judah. King Ahaz and all the people were terrified… “And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.”
But God sent Isaiah to the king with a message of hope. Things weren’t going to happen as the people thought. God said He would give the people a sign of safety and this is where the beautiful prophecy of Christ’s birth was given… “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bare a son and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us).” Before the baby turned two, God would save them.
But few listened to Isaiah’s prophecy. So, while everyone else lived in fear of certain doom, Isaiah and his family lived in calmness, confidence, and joyful anticipation. He wrote… “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel…” (Isaiah 8:18).
Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of a far greater deliverance through Christ. And after defeating sin and death for us all, Jesus spoke those same words of those who would trust Him, “Behold, I and the children which God has given Me” (Hebrews 2:13).
Do we get the picture? Is this true of us? Our confidence, security, and joyful anticipation of Christ make us living “signs and wonders” in a time of fear and hopelessness. We know Christ’s power! He told us how things end!
Isaiah said, “The Lord spoke to me with a strong hand and instructed me… Do not fear their fear, nor be afraid.” And the same instructions are given to us, adding… “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:14,15).
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