The Prophets’ Light of Hope - December 13, 2020

By Pastor Chuck Ryan

The Prophets’ Light of Hope

Text: Isaiah 9: 2-7; (vs2)

Thesis: Jesus came to bring us light. Jesus can satisfy the salvation longings of every person’s heart, from the time of Adam until this very day.

 

1. Many people expected and longed for the coming of Christ Jesus. (vs2)
2. Immediately after “the Fall of mankind” God promised Adam and Eve the coming of a Savior.

“So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3: 14-15)

1. In 700BC, Isaiah, one of the greatest prophets, prophesied about the coming of Christ Jesus, “The Light of Hope.”
2. Many alive at the time of Christ’s birth longed for the birth of the messiah.
3. The Shepherds were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus and came from the fields to see the Christ.

                     “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

1. The shepherds represented the common man.

           Jesus states a Biblical principle, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Mathew 20:16)

2. The elderly man Simeon saw Jesus at the time Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple.

   “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)

1. Simeon recognized Jesus as “The Light of hope” that Isaiah prophesied about.
2. The elderly was used by God to proclaim the birth of Christ.
3. The Prophetess Anna witnessed Jesus and gave Biblical proclamation.

                    “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)a. The female gender was recognized and confirmed by God as a valid Spiritual messenger.

4. The wise men from the east came and worshipped Jesus.

                     “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Mathew 2:1&2)

1. God chose those whom the religious elite would not accept.

 

1. Jesus is “The Light of Hope” for all people who live in darkness today.
2. Many today, as in the past need the Hope that Jesus brings.
3. Seek “The Light of Hope”-Jesus

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev.3:12)

2. Remain close to “The Light of Hope”-Jesus

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)