Talk Tuesday-The Fulfillment of GOD's LOVE: The Mission of Christ, Pt. IV

“2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 

“6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 

Why is this piece of scripture so important? It provides the prophetic foundation for the mission of Christ. Contextually, it occurs during the reign of King Ahaz, son of Jotham, king of Judah. After King David's death, Israel was divided into two separate kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom (ten tribes-Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Napthali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh) was taken away from David's offspring; the Southern Kingdom remained with them (Judah, of which the tribe of Benjamin was absorbed into). The tribe of Levi was consecrated as priests to serve in the Temple in Jerusalem, in Judah. The idolatry of King Solomon, David's son and heir, was responsible for this partitioning:

“11 So the LORD said to Solomon, 'Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.'” 1 Kings 11:11-13.

Yet, what precedes this punishment is GOD's promise to King David, who is often described as 'a man after GOD's own heart'. “16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever,” 2 Samuel 7:16.

So what does this have to do with JESUS? The Prophet Isaiah is speaking to Judah, whose kings, like those of Israel, have often continued in idolatry. In Isaiah chapters 7 to 9, the name 'Immanuel' translated as 'God is with us,' is used. This refers to the Incarnation, which is captured in the Gospel of John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” JESUS, fully GOD, fully man, the Son of GOD, One in being with the Father, the second in the Trinity and consubstantial with the Father, came to save us. The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed remind of us of these truths. The gospels trace Jesus' earthly lineage all the way back to King David, that is why he is called the 'Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,' in Revelation 5:5. The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end,” Luke 1:32, (note-Jacob's name was changed to Israel: see Genesis 35:10). During his ministry JESUS went to the synagogue in Nazareth, stood up and read from the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-12), boldly declaring his mission:

“'18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'” Luke 4:18-21. 

What does all of this mean for us? JESUS, is the fulfillment of GOD's LOVE, and WE, as his body-his hands and his feet-are to comfort the broken hearted, love the sinner, share the gospel of truth, proclaim freedom from the bondage of sin, and bring His light where there is blindness.