My late husband was normally not an early riser.
But when he went hammock camping, he always offered to be the one to get up to make cowboy coffee for the group.
I asked him once why he did this when he wasn’t normally a morning person.
After all, he used to say he preferred the morning to start at 2:00pm most days.
His response was that he enjoyed the quiet time of solitude when no one else was up yet, watching the sunrise, and listening to the birds sing while enjoying his first cup of coffee.
I also think he secretly enjoyed being in control of the coffee. 😊
One of the most touching things the hammock club did after learning he had passed, was to put up an empty hammock with a stock pot and a twig cross nearby in honor of their fallen friend for the duration of their camping event.
Today, our passage talks about God’s power to transform the world much like a sunrise opens the dawn of a new day. Whether it’s morning or evening, take some time to enjoy your own quiet time of solitude with the Lord’s transformative power.
Something Only God Can Do
A Study of Isaiah 9:1-7
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone. [1]
What happens when you turn a light on in a dark room?
Which then is more powerful, darkness or light?
What does Matthew 4:12-16 conclude about Isaiah 9:1-2?
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil. [2]
What results from the appearance of the light shining in the darkness?
Who is accomplishing this? (See Psalm 16 and Matthew 4:12-16)
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian. [3]
The Israelites found themselves outnumbered on the day of Midian, yet God enabled them to prevail and conquer their oppressors. (See Judges 6-7)
How does reminding the reader of how God previously acted on the day of Midian provide hope for an oppression-free future?
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire. [4]
What will happen to warfare on Earth because of God’s actions? (Also see Psalm 46:9-11)
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.[5]
Why is it important that a child is born to achieve the promises of all that Isaiah 9:1-6 mentions? (See Genesis 3 and John 3:16)
What is unique about this child?
Explain how being vulnerable, transparent and humble reveals God’s strength as more powerful than any other.
What do the four different names of this child reveal?
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. [6]
How long will this victory last?
Define the Lord’s zeal based on this passage.
Why is it important that the Lord is the one who accomplishes this? (See Genesis 3)
Also, why is God the only one who can do it?
Something Only God Can Do
A Study of Isaiah 9:1-7
Application
Describe the last time you got up early to watch the sunrise.
With the recent daylight savings time change, I regularly see the sunrise most mornings from my bathroom window as I’m getting ready for the day. But my favorite memories of getting up early to watch the sunrise are in the spring on Easter Sunday.
The Easter before losing my husband, he and I had a private sunrise Easter service by ourselves. He surprised me by securing two pre-packaged communion servings for us to have once the sun appeared in celebration of Christ’s work on our behalf.
How has God’s power of transformation helped you in the past week?
At a staff meeting this week, we were asked to share with those at our tables something about God for which we were thankful. I couldn’t bring myself to speak at that moment. Later, I realized that it’s much easier for me to write boldly about my thankfulness than to speak in a vulnerable manner right now.
So, to answer both the question above and the one from the staff meeting, I am thankful that God’s powerful transformation has helped me realize he always has me in the palm of his hand even when I’m unable to express my thanks verbally. God’s strength has sustained me over the last year as I’ve learned how to function without a spouse and embrace my incredible extended family of faithful believers who regularly pray and encourage me.
As you look to the future, what can you expect from God based on Isaiah 9:1-7?
I eagerly expect a future filled with abundant peace and provision from the Lord of hosts that will have no end. Seeing those who have gone before me and myself fully restored as the Lord’s redeemed is another thing I am excited about. Temporally, I expect God to be the strength I need to face each new day, no matter what comes.
Write a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s zeal for you.
Heavenly Father, most holy and gracious God, Your zeal for Your creation is astoundingly deep and interesting. That you made a way to restore our relationship with you from one of adversity to one of peace and abundance through the sacrifice of the Messiah as a suffering servant confirms your zeal for your creation. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your eternal plan through Jesus Christ.
Enable us to remember your zeal for us as we face each new sunrise in anticipation of when we will cross over from the already but not yet to eternity in your holy presence. Remind us at sunset each day that You are in control. We can trust in You to set all things right. Amen.
What did you find most encouraging about Isaiah 9:1-7 and this study?
Leave a comment below and remember to share this with others!
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:1–2.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:3.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:4.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:5.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:6.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Is 9:7.