IN PIECES OR PEACE Why Israel has

IN PIECES… OR PEACE?

Why Israel has given up on God, forsaking truth (Isaiah 8: 16), turning to superstition (Isaiah 8: 19), and neglecting the hungry (Isaiah 8: 21).

Why Israel enters into darkness, a total white-out, groping “…for the wall like the blind…groping as if [they] had no eyes… [stumbling] at noonday as in the night…” Isaiah 59: 9 -10

Look Isaiah prophesies: in midst of your blizzard “…a child is born…a son is given…” (Isaiah 9: 6) -- a baby is birthed. And the baby changes everything!

Be A Peace-Builder, ‘Standing In The Gap’

“Wonderful Counselor…” (Isaiah 9: 6). Now literally ‘Wonderful Counselor’ is best translated: ‘Extraordinary Leader, With An Extraordinary Plan, ’ reminiscent of Micah 4: 9, where Israel’s leader, Israel’s King, is referred to as a counselor, with a very different plan.

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat… and a little child will lead them…” Isaiah 11: 6

Don’t ‘Go It Alone’ – Draw On The Might Of The Savior

For the life changing Jesus has yet another throne name: “…Mighty God…” (Isaiah 9: 6). Literally the word mighty in Hebrew means not just strong, but the strongest one in any battle

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken …So Joseph …went up…to Bethlehem…and the baby [Jesus is] born” (Matthew 2: 1; 4; 6);

“We forget that the cradle of Christmas is not just any cradle, but the cradle that rocks the world. ” -- Anonymous.

‘Settle-Down, ’ Address Anxiety, Believing Jesus Never Forsakes

Why Jesus is not just any father, Isaiah 9: 6 tells us -- Jesus is an Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9: 6). And His government, His rule -- is not just any rule, it is a rule, an influence that is forever, with “…no end…” (Isaiah 9: 7). Count on it, Isaiah 9: 7 declares – the zeal, the determination of the Lord Almighty ‘will deliver’ – “…the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. ” (Isaiah 9: 7) -- coming through for us – faithfully -- each and every time.