THY GOD REIGNETH….oh, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Posted by Mitzi Gresham on Dec 25, 2008 in Daily Bread | 3 comments

For the past four months I have been searching for employment. With the economy, nationwide layoffs and the daily, “Sorry you’re overqualified” or “we’ve filled those positions already” things were looking bleak. Every morning I would wake up hoping and praying for some light at the end of this jobless tunnel. I was just about to put on a hair net and serve chili corn dogs and curly fries at the nearby Krystal until one day I get the phone call. The one that said, “Mitzi, we want you!”. WOOO HOOO! It brought me some hope, and peace and indicated that perhaps the “tunnel” had come to and end. Good News!

Ok, so not quite the same scenario as the changing events in Babylon but you’re picking up what I’m throwing down, right? Isaiah the prophet had a victory to proclaim, a four-fold hope to offer the people of Israel. God’s victory was going to come, whatever the unlikelihood of the circumstances: the opposing nations, the tyranny of the king, the unrighteousness of the priests and the people. God’s victory was coming and the messenger would proclaim it.

The four-fold proclamation of hope:

PEACE – the threat of war and conflict are over and the peace the people longed for will come. Few genuine people want war or conflict or strife. People long for peaceful, undisturbed lives in which they can go about their own business in quiet contentment.
GOOD TIDINGS – the bad news is over and the bringing of good news brings hope and joy. The weight of bad news or the fear of bad news is lifted off the shoulders!
SALVATION – we are rescued and the evil one no longer has power over the people. The bondage of is removed we are free!
YOUR GOD REIGNS – the shout of victory is not one like at a football game but in which the majesty and glory of God, their God, is proclaimed with a loud shout great hope!

Good News! No wonder Isaiah describes the bringer of such news as beautiful. The messenger IS this four-fold proclamation of hope. No wonder the watchman lift up their voices to shout and sing for joy. It is the natural reaction to such hope. What is your natural reaction?

Do you believe that true peace has come? That salvation is yours for the taking? That God indeed reigns and makes no mistakes?

Meditate on this today, as you celebrate the salvation of the world, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!