Sermons Notes

In spite of all the advances of civilization, the world of politics today is still consumed with a desire for peace and a fear of war. Stronger countries believe that peace must be negotiated from a position of power; radical groups believe that terror will force the issue (think of 9/11, 7/7, WTO). But we are left with a more dangerous and more frightening world than ever before. And we are left wondering if anyone is really interested in peace and righteousness and justice for all, or just in securing their own interests?

The Bible comforts and reminds those of us who have come to trust in Jesus Christ not to despair. We have the revelation of our Lord that not only announces His sovereign reign but also charts the course of world events. In many ways Isaiah lived in a time similar to ours, where fear was rampant, and people were constantly looking to find ways to protect themselves.

In view of the fast-changing international scene, the people of Israel would be concerned about their lot in life-

• What would become of the promises of God?
• How could the chosen people survive, let alone be a theocracy again?
• And must the remnant of the righteous also suffer with the nation that for all purposes was pagan?

Life's uncertainties require us to come to the living God fearing the LORD, trusting in His Word, and praying to Him alone.

Comfort is only for those who fear the LORD (8:11-19)

1. The LORD is a stone of stumbling if not feared (11-15)
2. Those whom fear the LORD will hope in Him (16-18)
3. Those whom hope the LORD will pray to Him (19)

Fearing God is becoming so acutely aware of His moral purity and omnipotence that one is genuinely afraid to disobey Him. Fearing God also includes responding to Him in worship, service, trust, obedience, and commitment. The result of fearing the LORD, among other things, is the avoiding of sin.

Names are important in Scripture. These are:

1. Isaiah himself, whose name Yeshahu means "salvation is in Yahweh".
2. Isaiah's first-born was Shear-Jashub, "a remnant will return" whose name underscored the promise of restoration.
3. Isaiah's second born, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, a reminder of impending judgment, the name literally meant, "swift is the booty, speedy to the prey."
4. Immanuel whose name meant "With us God!"

Also, following this passage is one boy-child who has not yet been born, yet who has already been given, the one who bears four names of importance: Wonder of Counsel, God of Might, Father of Eternity, and Prince of Peace. These first four point to the last with four names. Indeed they are signs and portents to a godless nation as their names held forth the truth of God to those around them.

1. Wonderful Counselor. "Wonderful" is a word that primarily describes the LORD or extraordinary or supernatural things in the Scriptures. The second word in the title is "Counselor." The word means "one who plans." It means he has the wisdom to rule.
2. The Mighty God. The term "God" can be used of kings and judges in the Old Testament. It actually brings the ideology of divine kingship into Jerusalem and applies it to some future king.
3. The Everlasting Father. A most striking title literally "father of perpetuity".
4. The Prince of Peace. The Messiah will be one who ensures for his people the blessings of peace. The word "peace" is used as an epithet for the LORD as well as the King. Hebrew concept of "peace" is more than the absence of war; peace is a condition in which all things follow their destiny undisturbed.

What about us? Are we signs and portents to the people of our world? When the name "Christian" - little Christ - raises the hackles of others, it means they are reminded of the Truth behind that name. When the name Jesus - "Yahweh saves" - causes people to get angry, it means they have been confronted by what that Name signifies. As we approach the Table of our Lord, Heb. 2:9-13 reminds us both Jesus (the one who sanctifies) and those who are sanctified (believers) are all "of one." This is the Church, the Body of Christ.