MESSIAH

THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN

The Messiah

In the message that the Lord God gave to Isaiah the prophet, we hear about the future gift of a Savior and King who will be from God, of God, and do all things for God. We can call this promised one the Messiah, or the Christ, as these terms refer to the one who was promised.

One of the most powerful promises of God that Isaiah gave concerning the coming gift of a Savior and King can be heard in the following passage:

“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

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. 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 9:1-7 NIV11

Verse 1 – Galilee

The Promised One will bring special attention and blessing to the region of the Galilee. The place that Jesus Christ spent most of his time on earth was in fact the Galilee. He called Nazareth home (a Galilean town), and spent a lot of time at Simon Peter’s house in Caesarea Philippi (on the shores of the Galilee.)

Verse 2-3 – Light

The Messiah will be the light of God in a dark and needy world. The Lord will bring the faithful joy, and those who receive his gifts will rejoice and be glad. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and through his Holy Spirit we are given the gift of real and lasting joy.

Verses 3-4 – Victory

The Messiah breaks the rod of the oppressor, and brings real freedom to all who look to him for the gift of mercy and salvation. This was captured well by the Apostle Paul:

““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:55-58 NIV 11

Verses 6-7 – No One Else

In this part of the prophecy, we hear that there is no one other than Jesus Christ who can fulfill this promise of God. See the highlights below:

· The Messiah will be a male child who was born into this world.

· God’s authority (same word as government) will rest on him

· Wonderful Counsellor – the same word used to describe the gift of the Holy Spirit.

· Mighty God – The child to be born will also be Mighty God.

· Everlasting Father – Again, the child will be both fully human and fully divine.

· Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ is our peace. We share in his victory.

· There will be no end of his greatness.

· He will follow in the lineage of King David.

· All of this will be done by the power of God alone.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
thank you for revealing yourself to us
in the message of your word.
You fulfilled all of the promises
that were given to the prophets of old,
and you are still at work in my own life
as you provide me with your joy and your peace.
I praise you, Lord.

In Christ,

Ryan Laden

OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH

“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”

 CONTACT INFO

• (541) 245-2612
• Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
• 3610 N Pacific Hwy
  Medford Oregon 97501