The "But" of the Gospel - Isaiah 9

“But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish.” (9:1)

After the prophecy of distress and darkness, gloom and anguish in 8:22 how awesome it is that this chapter begins with a “but.” Matthew Henry says: “In the worst of times God’s people have a ‘but’ and a ‘nevertheless’ to allay and balance their troubles.” We see that truth in 2 Cor. 4:8-9. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

“It is a matter of comfort to us when things are darkest that He Who forms the light and creates the darkness has appointed to both their bounds and set the one over against the other. (Gen 1:4).” -Henry

The light that will dawn and disperse the darkness is the LORD Jesus Christ who will “break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders” (vs 4). Once again I quote Mr. Henry: “The design of the gospel is to break the yoke of sin and Satan, to remove the burden of guilt and corruption, that we might be brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

That light, that One Who will break the yoke of sin and Satan is the Child who will be born, the Son who will be given, the One on Who’s shoulders the government shall rest. “His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (6-7)

The LORD of hosts DID accomplish this in the coming of our blessed Christ. The Mighty God became humble man. He emptied and humiliated Himself to exalt and fill us!! I am thankful for the hope of the gospel, for the light that has shown in my darkness. In the dark times of life in this fallen world may I be reminded of the “but” of the gospel and may I be found hoping expectantly in its certain promises!

In His glorious grace,

Lori